The TransRockies Team
Meet the Team that’s ready to help you.
They’re dedicated to supporting you through every step of your adventure with us—from registration to the finish line, and beyond.
Thanks to our extraordinary team members, the TransRockies Race Series has been able to bring thousands of athletes across the finish line over our 20-year history. These dedicated individuals are the best at what they do, and they’re always ready to go the extra mile to make your time with us a truly memorable experience.
We’re honoured they’ve chosen TransRockies as their professional home. So please, scroll down and get to know a few of them!
Aaron McConnell
President
“We’re dedicated to helping TransRockies participants become “finishers” of our events. The more we can support our racers, the more successful they will be.” – Aaron
As President, Aaron is responsible for the day to day operations and overall performance of the TransRockies Race Series. On top of that, he does most of the route planning and scouting for all of the events. Aaron has been with the organization since 2004. In 2007, he founded the TransRockies Run and in 2011, he expanded the TransRockies Race Series to multiple events.
Aaron joined TransRockies team as an accomplished endurance event organizer. From 1998-2000 he organized the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event in Canmore and from 2002-2003 worked on staff for 24 Hours of Adrenalin.
Aaron spends much of his summers mountain biking, as well as road and gravel riding. He dreams of someday being able to take a step back from race-day operations and participate in TransRockies events as a competitor. During the winter months, Aaron enjoys skiing with his family. They spend much of their time either in the backcountry or at Lake Louise, where his daughters coach and race for the ski club.
Aaron’s family also shares his passion for cycling and running. They travel with him to most events and can be found either competing or helping out with organization. It’s common to find Aaron’s wife, Erin and daughters, Kyleigh and Cici, working at check points, registration or at the merchandise tent. This pic is on Stage 2 of the TransRockies Run in Colorado.
Kevin “HOUDA” McDonald
Vice President & Chief Running Officer, Golden Ultra Race Director
“I enjoy the community and connectivity of TransRockies events. For many people, our events are bucket list events, and they end up leaving with lifelong friendships and a boatload of memories.” – Houda
As Chief Running Officer, “Houda” handles the nuts and bolts of the TransRockies Race Series running events. Everything from permitting to staffing to event execution on race days. Since Kevin joined TransRockies in 2008, the Race Series has expanded its cycling and running events well beyond the two offered at that time. As a result, he now concentrates on the running events, including the flagship TransRockies Run.
Prior to becoming part of TransRockies team, Kevin gained extensive experience working large sporting events. He’s held various positions at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Canada Summer Games in 2001 and at Trilife Sports International, which at the time ran the 24 Hours of Adrenalin race series across North America.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys being outside trail running and riding his bike. He also enjoys a good game of squash.
Kevin loves to travel and has visited 50 different countries around the world. During all that time on the road (and in the air), he’s developed a special affinity for countries in Asia.
Ryan “Dia” Blondia
Course Manager
“Everyone has their own story, from elite athletes to the back-of-the-packers. Having a chat with them and listening to how their day was out on the course is so much fun.” – Ryan
As of 2020, Ryan has worked for the TransRockies Race Series for a full decade! He began working at events on the start/finish team and from there moved on to course director. Today, Ryan works as the TransRockies Race Series Operations Manager, where he has taken on a planning role as the Series expands its event offerings.
Before joining the TransRockies team, Ryan worked at the Lake Louise Ski Resort running logistics. His time there set him up well to take on the assortment of tasks required to help plan events and keep race-days running like clockwork.
In his spare time, Ryan loves to ride his bike and run. Recently, a lost season due to torn Achilles tendon taught him not to take anything for granted. He savours every moment of riding and running his busy schedule will allow.
During some recently forced downtime during COVID-19, Ryan has discovered a new hidden talent—Tik Tok dancing. So keep an eye out for him at our events. His moves are sure to motivate and inspire!
Jen Ashton
Customer Service & Race Office Manager
“I'm excited to bring my positive energy, outgoing attitude, and helpful personality to the TransRockies team, and I'm looking forward to supporting participants at each and every event as they push past what they thought was possible and reach their highest potential!” - Jen
Jen lives in Edmonton, and prior to joining the TransRockies team, she spent 11 years helping others reach their fitness goals as a personal trainer. Working in the fitness industry provided Jen with the opportunity to work with, volunteer at, and participate in numerous endurance events such as the Edmonton Marathon, Challenge Penticton, Great White North Triathlon and the ITU World Triathlon. She has also acted as a guide and coach for corporate cycling teams, training camps and destination cycling tours.
When she isn’t at work, there’s a good chance you’ll find Jen on a bike! She loves mountain biking, gravel riding, road riding and has even dabbled in crit and road racing. She also likes to spend time at the gym, hiking, camping and reading.
Don’t be surprised if you see Jen at an event fuelling up on sweet treats—she loves candy!