NORTH CAROLINA TRAIL RUNNING & ULTRAS
THE DIRTY WOLF STORY
WHERE COMMUNITY IS THE FOUNDATION AND EVERY TRAIL TELLS A STORY
OUR MISSION
COMMUNITY | GRIT | ADVENTURE
“To foster an unbreakable pack through the shared pursuit of the Southeast’s most challenging terrain—ensuring that while the trails are technical and the miles are hard, no runner ever stands alone.”
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE STAND FOR
AUTHENTIC TRAIL EXPERIENCE
We don't do 'sanitized' races. DWR is built on technical terrain, raw elements, and the genuine grit of the North Carolina wilderness
COMMUNITY ABOVE ALL
Inspired by the 'Pack' mentality, we believe no runner finishes alone. We foster an inclusive home for the misfits, the seekers, and the dreamers
EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURE
Every race is a curated narrative. We design tiered challenges—from The Pack to The Abyss—to help you discover what you're truly capable of
THE MAN BEHIND THE GAUNTLET
Richard Abernathy- Race Director
Richard Abernathy’s journey didn’t start at a starting line; it started in the aisles of a movie store and the quiet corners of Dungeons & Dragons sessions. A self-described ‘Goth kid’ who found his home in the intricate lore of fantasy worlds, Richard brought that same level of world-building to the trail.
In 2012, a simple disagreement on a local track—a bet that neither he nor a friend could run a single mile—ignited a spark that has since fueled over 112 Ultra-marathon finishes. For Richard, running was never just about the miles; it was about the story. It was about the mystery of what lies at the top of the next ridge and the grit required to find out.
Dirty Wolf Racing is the culmination of that decade-long obsession. As the founder and heartbeat of DWR, Richard approaches race directing as an Experience Architect. He doesn’t just time a race; he designs a gauntlet. From the secret maps of the Stone Mountain Massacre to the ‘Abyss’ of the Beast of the East, every event is a narrative he invites the ‘Pack’ to write for themselves.
Above the technical terrain and the grueling elevation, Richard’s guiding principle remains unchanged: Community is above all things. Honoring the values instilled by his family, he has built a pack that welcomes the misfit, the dreamer, and the seeker, ensuring that while the trails are hard, no one runs them alone.
THE AMBASSADOR PACK
Behind every Dirty Wolf event is a dedicated team of trail experts and endurance specialists. Our ambassadors are the heartbeat of the North Carolina trail running community, providing the local knowledge and technical support required to navigate the Southeast’s most challenging terrain. From logistics to lead-outs, this pack ensures that every ‘Quest’ is as safe as it is grueling
Adam Boardman
Ambassador
Before moving to Charlotte, a friend told me about the race which would become Beast of the East and I wondered, “How hard could that be?” I’d run trails (in road shoes), and even though a 15-mile training run at Crowders Mountain would be my longest effort to date… and less than half the distance of the 50K race… shouldn’t be a problem, right? I was a better climber than a runner, anyway, and hey – it was June, not December, so… let’s see what I’m in for! After running out of food, energy, and water at mile 12, I got the idea. 8 years, 5 Beast finishes, and double-handfuls of other ultras later, that worst-ever run became one of my best-ever decisions. You’re gonna F-Around and Find Out, but the key is to do it with great people who have the skills to help you get smart. And THAT’S Dirty Wolf Racing.
Danny Bunch
Ambassador
I’m Danny, a western North Carolina trail runner. Have been trail running and mountain biking for several years. If I’m not running a Dirty Wolf Race you will find me at an aid station filling water bottles and helping others to succeed.
I do this with my family as my wife and two teenage sons are also trail runners.
Micah Sulewski
Ambassador
Multiple time ultra finisher, multiple time Spartan trifecta finisher (including Spartan ultra), as well as strongman competitor. Personal trainer for those who want to push themselves past preconceived limits.
Angela Allman Lorraine
Ambassador
I got into Ultrarunning after doing Spartan racing, years ago. I trained for years as a single mom who did 0.1 mile back and forth in front of the house when the boys were sleeping because I couldn’t leave them. When they were teens I got into ultras and never looked back. Running for hours in the woods is my happy place. I enjoy all of the scenery and the alone time. I found Dirty Wolf Ultras in 2020 and have always enjoyed the style of Richard’s races- Gritty and authentic. My Dirty Wolf pack is the best!
Abby Wing
Ambassador
I’m Abby Wing, and I have been running for about 6 years now, jumping from a half marathon to a full in less than a year, and then started running ultras just nine months after that. This sport has bettered me in countless ways and brought so many incredible experiences and humans into my life. I am forever grateful to be a part of this amazing community, as well as the Dirty Wolf Racing team.
When I am not out running, I like to create and make art. I have designed and created the prizes for overalls at a number of events – you might see some of my work out at the next Dirty Wolf race! You can check out more of my work by following me on Instagram at @abbywingart
Myles Flott
Ambassador
My relationship with running started in the military—a classic love-hate struggle that lasted for years. But after transitioning from the pavement of the marathon distance to the raw unpredictability of the trails, I realized I wasn’t just changing distances; I was entering an entirely different sport.
Since volunteering at my first Dirty Wolf Racing event, I saw the untapped potential of this community. Today, I’m the “behind-the-scenes” engine for DWR, architecting the website and digital infrastructure that powers our missions. My 2026 is defined by the dirt: training for the Leatherwood Ultra and readying for the Javelina Jundred 100 in October.
My goal is simple: Grow the pack, bring more people into the wild, and eventually bring a Western States qualifier to the DWR portfolio.