Jakob Herrmann | Race Director (rd@anftrailrace.com)

Jakob grew up in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland and moved to the US in 1998. He is the founder and race director of the Swiss Alps 100 and Gary asked him to take over the ANF Trail Race in the summer of 2024.

An avid runner, he took up the sport in 2005. Since then, he has completed over 100 ultramarathons (including 26 finishes of 100-milers or more) and almost 100 marathons.

He currently lives in California with his wife, Linda, his four daughters and his dog, Luna.

Jose Llanos| co-Race Director (jose@anftrailrace.com)

Jose comes to us from the beautiful sunny town of San Diego where he lives with his girlfriend, Shelly and their two dogs, Saroo and Hannah. An experienced ultra runner and backpacker, Jose has completed several races ranging from 50k to 240 miles, and fast-packed the entire John Muir Trail in 9 days.

Beyond the finish lines, he has spent years supporting the ultra community by volunteering his time to organize and operate aid-stations - where he's found joy in lifting others up during their toughest miles.

A proud father of two incredible daughters who inspire him every day, a devoted dog lover, and a believer in the power of kindness and community. As the new co-race director for this iconic race, Jose is excited for the opportunity to continue its tradition and spirit. "I look forward to welcoming each runner to our race as you prepare for one heck of a beautiful course".

Christopher De La Vega | Medical Lead

I am a volunteer first responder with the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue team. I am an EMT in Los Angeles County. I have been a trail runner since 2018.

Sid Torres | Red Box Aid Station Captain

Sindi Torres (Sid) has been running trails for close to a decade now but has been an athlete all her life. A few years ago, she experienced a horrific cycling accident where she almost lost her left foot. That experience strengthened her relationship with running and the outdoors. She has since ran her furthest distance of 50 miles, as well as conquered close to 50 peaks and traveled to some far off places to run (including the Philippines, Peru and Australia).

When Sindi is not running, playing tennis or herding cattle you can catch her managing aid stations from all distances ranging from a 5k's, all the way up to 100 milers. We're proud to have Sid as our aid-station captain at RedBox.

David Weary | West Fork Aid Station Captain

David as been an avid runner for the last 25 years having started in high school running cross country. David has run several marathons including two Boston marathons. A few years back, he started transitioning to trail running in order to enjoy nature and become part the amazing trail running community. Most of his trail races have been 50 miles and less, but he's now testing his limits with 100 milers. David has won his running club's honor of "Mountain Man of the Year" multiple times.

David lives in Acton, CA with his lovely wife Shari, they have three children and four grandchildren; he's a lucky man. When not running, you can find David helping the ultra community in some capacity, and always with a smile. "As captain of the Westfork aid-station, my goal is to provide everyone quality service as you prepare for the ominous Kenyon-Devore climb. Have fun and run safe!"

Shelly Hess

Shelly lives in San Diego with her partner, Jose, and their two dogs, Saroo and Hannah Danielle. She works in higher education, focusing on curriculum and policy, and spends her free time volunteering, crewing, and squeezing in arts and crafts projects whenever possible. She also loves bringing creativity to life through stained glass mosaics, Halloween displays, and crafting personalized gifts for friends and runners alike.

Shelly's completed races ranging from marathons and 50Ks to 200-mile ultras, and has a soft spot for timed events. You'll often find her somewhere near the back of the pack, enjoying the quiet miles and stubbornly refusing to quit.

When she's not running, Shelly loves supporting the ultra-community. She's a familiar face at aid stations, often dressed as a cow or a pig, surrounded by skeletons and blow up farm animals, cheering runners on and handing out whatever's needed to help people keep going. For Shelly, volunteering is about building community and creating the kind of race experience she'd want to have: welcoming, weird, and full of heart.

She believes in starting slow, finishing strong (or at least finishing), and making sure everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Her motto? Keep moving forward, with snacks, spirit, and a little bit of silliness.