What Runners for Public Lands does

Runners for Public Lands (RPL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded around Earth Day 2019 and headquartered in Ventura, California. The organization mobilizes the trail running community for public lands advocacy, environmental stewardship, and expanded outdoor access. Its core programmatic offerings include the Trail Work Series (recurring stewardship events active in 9 regions across Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, and the Tri-State area), Camp & Run (immersive weekend experiences co-hosted with Cloud City Conservation Center in Leadville, Colorado), the Ambassadors Program (20+ volunteer ambassadors), the Everyone Runs Fund (a grant program offering $1,000–$5,000 awards to expand runner access to public lands for underrepresented communities), the Race Director Hub and Collective, and a membership program. RPL has built a brand coalition of more than 15 outdoor industry partners including Altra, Patagonia, Hoka, Teva, On, Keen, REI, and GU Energy, alongside partnerships with land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Jefferson County Colorado Parks & Open Space.

RPL's business model is that of a nonprofit advocacy organization rather than a commercial enterprise. Revenue is generated through individual memberships and recurring donations, corporate brand sponsorships, the Everyone Runs Fund grant program (funded by sponsors including Altra and the VF Foundation), paid event registrations (e.g., $325 per Camp & Run attendee), and merchandise sales through its online store. There is no venture capital or private equity ownership; the organization is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by volunteer ambassadors and founding members. RPL's go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, combining grassroots ambassador organizing with recurring stewardship events and educational content distributed through Instagram, email newsletters, and its website.

RPL has no proprietary technology platform, software products, or AI/ML capabilities. Its technology footprint is limited to a website (runnersforpubliclands.org), an Instagram presence, email infrastructure, and an online store. Core operations rely on human coordination, volunteer engagement, and partnerships with land management agencies and outdoor brands rather than software products. The organization has demonstrated measurable advocacy impact, including mobilizing 70,000+ letters to Congress, organizing opposition from 92 race directors representing 550+ events across 34 states, and distributing 6 grants through the Everyone Runs Fund since 2022.

Name

Runners for Public Lands

Legal name

Runners for Public Lands

Website

https://runnersforpubliclands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Runners for Public Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes trail runners for public lands advocacy, stewardship, and expanded outdoor access through programs including Trail Work Series events across 9 U.S. regions, the Everyone Runs Fund grant program, Camp & Run weekends, and a brand coalition with outdoor industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy & Conservation

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Endurance Stage & Destination Challenges (Multi-day Tours, Charity Challenges) (MPAKAIAG), Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

Keywords

• Public lands advocacy
• Trail stewardship programs
• Conservation grants
• Running community organizing
• Environmental education

Headquarters

HQ city

Ventura

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Memberships and Donations: Individual runners and supporters become members or make recurring donations to support RPL's mission. The organization has founding members and monthly sustainer programs.
2. Corporate Brand Partnerships: Brand coalition partners including Altra, Hoka, Patagonia, Teva, and others support RPL through sponsorship of programs and events. Partners gain association with the running community's conservation mission.
3. Everyone Runs Fund Grants: RPL operates a grant program providing $1,000-$5,000 awards (up to $10,000 total pool) to expand universal runner access to public lands. Funded by corporate sponsors including Altra and VF Foundation.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise to supporters and members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Runners for Public Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes runners for public lands advocacy, trail stewardship, and community education. It operates the Trail Work Series of stewardship events in nine U.S. regions, the Camp & Run immersive weekend in Leadville, CO, an Ambassadors Program of 20+ volunteer runners, the Everyone Runs Fund grant program providing $1,000–$5,000 awards, a Race Director Hub/Collective, and a Membership and Brand Coalition Partnership program.

Product overview

Runners for Public Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of programs focused on empowering runners to protect public lands and expand access to nature. The core programs include the Trail Work Series (recurring stewardship events), Camp & Run (immersive weekend experiences), Ambassadors Program (volunteer community leaders), Everyone Runs Fund (grant program for inclusive running initiatives), Race Director Hub and Collective (advocacy resources), and membership and partnership programs. These interconnected programs work together to advance environmental stewardship, advocacy, and community action within the trail running community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trail Work Series A recurring trail stewardship program partnering with local trail maintenance organizations, run clubs, and races. Each Series includes multiple trail work events combined with education elements, where participants can earn prizes from brand partners for repeat participation.
• Camp & Run A weekend program combining discussions with public lands advocates, hands-on community projects, and outdoor activities including running, hiking, and swimming. Includes tent camping or rustic bunkhouse lodging, meals, and guided experiences, with camperships available for those unable to afford the $325 fee.
• Ambassadors Program A volunteer program supporting runners who engage their communities with opportunities to learn about public lands, climate action, and expanding access to nature. Ambassadors help bring RPL's mission to life in their local running communities.
• Everyone Runs Fund A grant program providing $1,000 to $5,000 awards to expand universal runner access to public lands. The reimagined 2026 pilot supports run clubs, race directors, community groups, local businesses, and leaders with projects benefiting underrepresented runners.
• Membership Program A membership program enabling runners to support environmental stewardship, advocacy, and community action to protect public lands and expand nature access, including founding members and monthly sustainer tiers.
• Brand Coalition Partnership Program A partnership program for outdoor brands aligned with RPL's values, providing brand coalition membership and collaborative marketing opportunities. Current coalition members include Altra, Hoka, Patagonia, Teva, Keen, On, REI, GU Energy, Kahtoola, Kane, Nomadix, Athletic Brewing, Best Day Brewing, B.Wild, Topa Topa Brewing, and Trail Butter.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92 race directors organizing 550+ events signed RPL's letter opposing Roadless Rule rollback
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• 1% for the PlanetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2019RPL was designated as a 1% for the Planet Beneficiary in July 2019, committing to environmental giving and receiving donations from 1% for the Planet members.
• Cloud City Conservation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Camp & Run events in Leadville, Colorado. Executive Director Emily Olsen participates in campfire conversations and farm tours.
• TevaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Camp & Run 2026, providing three pairs of complimentary shoes for event activities and supporting event logistics.
• High Mountain InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Camp & Run weekend in Leadville, CO. Provides facilities including tent camping, bunkhouse lodging, and showers.
• AltraflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner and 2026 Everyone Runs Fund program sponsor providing grant funding for underrepresented runner programs.
• Jefferson County Open SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner agency for Colorado Front Range Trail Work Series, providing permits, insurance approval, and trail management expertise.
• Trail Runner VolunteerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization leading Front Range Trail Work Series events alongside RPL ambassadors.
• The Running KindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarbon-neutral trail running organization hosting Tri-State Trail Work Series across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
• Monocacy Watershed AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner land management organization for Tri-State Trail Work Series events.
• New York New Jersey Trail ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail stewardship organization partnering for Tri-State Trail Work Series.
• Trailblazer RunningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizer of Indiana Dunes Trail Work Series, leading trail work events in partnership with RPL.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner agency for Indiana Dunes Trail Work Series, providing permits, insurance, and trail management oversight.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal land management agency partnering on trail work events in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Flagstaff locations.
• Los Padres Forest AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail work leader for Ventura and Santa Barbara Trail Work Series, providing trained trail work leadership and agency coordination.
• Coyote Two MoonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail running organization in Ventura County partnering for Ventura Trail Work Series.
• Peak Trail RunnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal running organization leading Flagstaff Trail Work Series events.
• Santa Barbara Trail LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal trail organization partnering for Santa Barbara Trail Work Series.
• Dirt G'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail running group co-founded by RPL ambassador Kristine Fuentes, leading Bay Area Trail Work Series.
• Bay Area Ridge TrailminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail organization partnering for Bay Area Trail Work Series.
• Mount Diablo Trails AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail stewardship organization partnering for Bay Area Trail Work Series.
• Rooted VallejominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnering for Bay Area Trail Work Series vine trail cleanups.
• Solano Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLand conservation organization partnering for Bay Area Trail Work Series.
• Outdoor AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner for outdoor recreation advocacy, coordinating action alerts and policy campaigns affecting public lands.
• Rising HeartsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous-led organization partnering for advocacy and land stewardship initiatives.
• Running Industry Diversity CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner working to increase diversity and inclusion in the running industry.
• Trail Running Film FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilm festival partner for community events and awareness building.
• Ojai Valley Land ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal land trust partner for conservation and trail stewardship in Ventura County.
• AltraflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner in the RPL brand partnership program, supporting trail stewardship programs and events.
• PatagoniaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner providing support for trail stewardship and advocacy programs.
• HokaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting RPL programs and events.
• REI Co-opcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner through REI Cooperative Action Fund supporting outdoor access.
• KeencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting public lands advocacy and trail stewardship.
• OncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting RPL mission and programs.
• FractelcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting trail stewardship events.
• GU EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting trail work events.
• KahtoolacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting trail stewardship.
• KanecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting RPL programs.
• NomadixcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting trail stewardship events.
• Athletic BrewingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting non-alcoholic beverage options at events.
• Best Day BrewingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting non-alcoholic options at events.
• B.WildcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner supporting outdoor access initiatives.
• Topa Topa BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal craft brewery partner in Ventura County supporting events.
• Trail ButterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand coalition partner providing trail nutrition products for events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Outdoor Alliance: Coalition of outdoor recreation advocacy organizations representing climbers, paddlers, mountain bikers, and backcountry skiers. Direct peer — RPL is a member/partner and they co-execute advocacy campaigns like the 70,000+ letters-to-Congress action alerts referenced in RPL's data.
• American Hiking Society: National nonprofit advocating for hiking trails, trail stewardship, and federal funding for trails. Direct peer — operates a similar advocacy + stewardship model with National Trails Day events that overlap conceptually with RPL's Trail Work Series.
• Protect Our Winters: Climate advocacy nonprofit mobilizing the outdoor sports community (skiers, climbers, runners). Highly comparable peer — same playbook of activating outdoor athletes around federal climate and public-lands policy with athlete ambassador network.
• Access Fund: National advocacy and conservation nonprofit for climbing, focused on public lands access and stewardship. Most direct peer — runs an ambassador/local-rep network, stewardship grants, and policy campaigns on analogous public-lands issues to RPL.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit converting rail corridors into trails and advocating for trail funding. Direct peer — operates at the intersection of recreation advocacy and federal policy, with a member-supported model and stewardship programming.
• The Conservation Alliance: Coalition of outdoor industry businesses funding and advocating for land/water/wildlife protection. Direct peer — overlaps with RPL's brand coalition model and policy advocacy on public-lands protections.
• Leave No Trace: National nonprofit promoting outdoor ethics and stewardship education for public lands users. Direct peer — adjacent mission on public-lands stewardship and education, with a similar donor/member-supported nonprofit model.

Emerging players

• Appalachian Mountain Club: Regional outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofit with trail stewardship, volunteer network, and policy advocacy. Comparable stewardship-and-advocacy model, though geographically focused on the Northeast.

Broad incumbents

• National Parks Conservation Association: Largest national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to U.S. National Parks advocacy and stewardship. Broad incumbent — much larger and broader in scope than RPL, but operates on the same federal public-lands advocacy terrain.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit working to conserve land for public use, including trails and parks. Broader incumbent — operates at larger scale and broader geographic scope, but overlapping mission around public-land access that RPL's inclusion agenda aligns with.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/runners4publiclands
• Xx.com/vic_thasiah
• Facebookfacebook.com/runnersforpubliclands
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/runnersforpubliclands

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Runners for Public Lands