Paddling in the 2020 National Virtual Biathlon!

As we look forward to our 2nd Annual National Virtual Biathlon to take place in May of this year, we wanted to look back on our first one! 

2020 saw the first Team River Runner Virtual Biathlon. Across the nation, veterans and volunteers did 2 “events’ of their choosing. Paddling, running, walking, handcycling, weight lifting, and more! Here is Andre paddling the course set up in the Maryland/DC Region. TRR volunteers set up a “do it yourself” and “time yourself” 1 mile paddling and 3 mile run/walk course at Riley’s Lock in Poolesville MD. Many volunteers and veterans paddled and ran this course over the Virtual Biathlon Week!!

Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.