Wrun for Wray Targhee Hill Climb Returning for 12th Year with all new Organizers
Teton Regional Land Trust is excited to announce the 12th Wrun for Wray race on June 22 at Grand Targhee Resort with all new organizers, Michelino Sunseri and Matthew Chorney. Former Wrun for Wray top runners, Sunseri and Chorney took over from Lani and Wray Landon III, who have helped organize the race since 2011 in honor of Wray Landon IV, their son, an avid adventurer and naturalist, who was a Land Steward at Teton Regional Land Trust before his death in 2010 in a skiing accident.
Lani and Wray decided to step back from organizing the race this year for personal reasons. “We worked on the race all year. It just got to be too much and we needed to pare down in our lives,” the Landons explained. Relief came in the form of two former racers, Sunseri and Chorney, who had helped out in the past by volunteering and with sponsorship. Lani said, “We were thrilled that they wanted to take it over–local, young, top runners. But we will still be there, cheering on the runners as they cross the finish line.”
“We were excited to continue the tradition,” said Sunseri. “I’ve been running and racing for 19 years and this is the first time I’ve been on the other side. I never knew how much work went into an event like this–very eye opening but fun. I’m enjoying it!” The biggest challenge in organizing a large event like Wrun for Wray “has been learning how to use all the technology and also getting everything done in a timely manner, getting sponsorships, and reaching out to businesses,” explained Sunseri, “but I’m looking forward to once the race is finished and everyone is at the base so we can all celebrate as a community and look at the mountain we just went up with a cold beer.”
Since 2020, a raffle has also been included in the race. This year’s prizes include a season pass at Grand Targhee Resort, backcountry skis from Yostmark Mountain Equipment, a scenic flight over the Tetons, and many more gift certificates and prizes generously donated by local businesses. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100 and can be purchased online or at the event. You do not have to be present to win.
All funds raised at the Wrun for Wray, through the raffle and race entry fees, go to the Wray Landon Legacy Fund, which supports projects that Wray himself would have enjoyed. These funds have been used for summer intern positions, land protection projects, fence removals, ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, the Teton Basin Trumpeter Swan Project, and the Greater Yellowstone Sandhill Crane Initiative, among many other projects. To date, over $241,000 has been raised for the Wray Landon Legacy Fund.
In addition to the top three male and female racers overall, as well as the top racers in each age category receiving great prizes, Wrun for Wray is also a participant in the Summer Ascent Series. Partnered with the Snow King Hill Climb and the Rendezvous Mountain Hill Climb, the top male and female runners with the lowest overall time in all three races will be awarded two complimentary day passes to all three resorts: Grand Targhee, Snow King, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
We hope you will join the Land Trust, Michelino and Matthew, and the Landons on June 22 for a 10AM start time at Grand Targhee Resort for the Wrun for Wray. Runners and walkers are welcome to join in the fun. The first 100 entries receive a runner’s packet. Stay after the race for complimentary snacks and drinks from race sponsors, race winner and raffle announcements, or to peruse sponsor booths. To purchase raffle tickets or to register for the Wrun, please visit tetonlandtrust.org.
