Running Up For Air: How It Began
The Origin Story
In the winter of 2011–2012, Utah ultrarunner and Breathe Utah Advisory Board member Jared Campbell was training for the notoriously difficult Barkley Marathons. While running laps on Grandeur Peak, he was struck by the dramatic shift in air quality—starting in the cold, smog-filled valley and climbing into the clean, crisp air above the inversion.
From Personal Challenge to Purpose
On one of his 24-hour training runs, Jared asked himself: Why not turn this endurance effort into a way to benefit air quality? He invited friends and supporters to pledge $1 to $10 per lap, set a goal of 10 laps, and promised he’d only collect donations if he finished them all. He did—and raised nearly $5,000, which he donated to Breathe Utah.
Community Growth and Expansion
What began as a personal challenge quickly grew. By 2016, Running Up For Air (RUFA) had evolved into a formally permitted, community event, drawing 51 participants in its first public year. Just one year later, RUFA expanded into a series of co-branded events, reaching beyond Grandeur Peak to Ogden, Provo, and eventually other states.
National and International Reach
In 2023, RUFA became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Around the same time, Patagonia joined as a major supporter, helping expand RUFA into a national—and now international—initiative, raising awareness and funding for organizations working to improve air quality.
Impact and Gratitude
As RUFA has grown, so has Breathe Utah. We are deeply grateful to the athletes, volunteers, and sponsors who make this event possible. The RUFA community is proof that when dedicated people come together, they can push limits—not just on the mountain, but for cleaner air and healthier lives.
