Rio Lakeshore

Father, Trail-Dancer(runner) & Soul Recorder(writer)

In the sun-kissed expanse of Southern California, a child was born, his early upbringing rooted in Inglewood, CA. Later, he would be transplanted to the Mojave, where he discovered the stark beauty of the high desert and gained a new perspective and introduction to running. This journey would eventually lead him to the lush evergreens and sharp mountains of the Pacific Northwest. His ability to adapt has shaped Rio into a multipotentialite—a hybrid of sorts—spending his life running the line between worlds.

Now, as an ambassador for Arc'teryx in Los Angeles, Rio seeks to convey that running is more than a physical act; it encompasses self-realization, community, art, and expression. He encourages others to zigzag out of linear paths to find their own dance, allowing that rhythm to fuel their mileage and physicality.

There has always been a spirit of defiance within Rio, one that asserts that people of color (POCs) are not a monolith, nor are trail runners confined to a single narrative. The title "trail-dancer" was inspired by one of Rio’s guiding lights, Ram Dass, who reminds us, “You can do it like it’s a great weight on you, or you can do it like it’s part of the dance.” Rio chooses the dance as an act of rebellion, embracing his autonomy and inviting everyone to discover their own rhythm on the trail and in life.

He moves through the world as poetry in motion. His published essays interweave themes of mindfulness, art, spirituality, humanity, and fatherhood, creating a renewed manifesto that celebrates bliss through the grit of running and life.

In this bold new chapter, Rio navigates the landscape of sobriety, trading the fleeting pleasures of post-run happy hours for a deeper existence rooted in service to others. For him, trail running has become his three-chord rebellion—an expression of creativity through the act of running, the beauty of mountain trails, and a choice to share his love for the outdoors in whatever way resonates with his soul. He shares anecdotes that challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and illustrate why the most radical act might simply be lacing up and “trail-dancing.”

BE HERE NOW — Rio is here to confirm that trail running, at its core, is a manifestation of the punk spirit.