5 Questions with Mountain Junkies

Josh and Gina Gilbert may be two of the most recognized faces in Roanoke Region trail running.

The duo “officially became” Mountain Junkies in 2001. “That year, our free time got taken up by miles upon miles of trails while trail running and mountain biking,” Josh said. “Within months of trail running, we started participating in ultramarathons.”

Mountain Junkies as you may know it started in 2007, when the Gilberts began promoting and organizing events locally. Plus, they did something new — offered trail events at less than ultramarathon distance.

“From the start, our goals have been simple, we want to bring what we love to do, to people like us, and to hold unique, fun, and challenging off road events that push your boundaries while creating an environment that allows people to interact and socialize as a community,” Josh said.

Mountain Junkies directs and promotes events and times many races around SW Virginia.  They also do a lot of trail work, helping to maintain trails in and around the Roanoke Valley.  If you enjoy the outdoors and especially trails, you, Gina, Josh (and all the other Mountain Junkies) are kindred spirits.

Full disclosure: We asked for the recipe of the “famous” pumpkin bread, but you’ll have to race to earn a slice!

5 Questions with Mountain Junkies

1. What’s the story behind RNUTS (now in its 13 year)?

The RNUTS (Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series) has gradually grown to what it is today (7 separate events).  It is a way to link all of our races into a series that has separate series awards and prizes and a social event where we are able to get together as a group (Covid permitting of course) and recognize everyone’s achievements.

2. How can someone get involved with the race series?

All of the RNUTS information can be found online. All of our events have every level and age of athlete, beginner to expert level, and walker to “The Flash” level runner.

3. What made you decide to offer a new race this year? (Tell us a little about the course.)

We decided to offer the Forever 5 & 10 Miler (Feb. 6) for a number of reasons:

• It is taking over in the schedule for our wazUPwidis event that can’t be held during Covid due to the nature of the course.
• We enjoy the trails in the National Forest and this is a good taste of the rugged backcountry nature of those trails.

4. How can runners/walkers who aren’t used to the trail get started with trail running?

I suggest starting out easy. That could mean starting with a weekly hike or taking a trail you used to hike and incorporate running portions of it.

5. What’s your favorite running trail in the region?

I really like the trails that were created by the CCC.  Those trails are usually well built and have a good flow to them.  North Mountain is a favorite.

Bonus: How has COVID impacted the series?

2020 was a crazy time. We were constantly trying to work through the ever-changing landscape of events. As the year went on, we were seeing different methods getting ironed out.  We were one of the last local events pre-covid and one of the first events back. So we were able to put the plan on paper in action. People want events and by following the current guidelines, outdoor events can be a safe option for those that want to be part of something in a group format.

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