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!
Isabella “IzzyB” Janovick
Race Office Manager
Isabella “IzzyB” Janovick is the Race Office Manager for the TransRockies Run Series, bringing years of experience in trail running, event marketing, athlete relations, and community building. After nearly being paralyzed in a snowboarding accident that resulted in a broken back, Izzy found trail running and completed her first ultra in 2015. She quickly fell in love with the endurance community and the adventure that comes with long days on the trails.
As both an athlete and industry professional, Izzy has become deeply involved in the trail running world, completing multiple stage races and trail events, including Moab Run the Rocks (4x), TransRockies (2x) and the Golden Ultra (1x). She loves the unique atmosphere of stage racing, from the shared challenge on trail to the friendships built around camp each night.
Professionally, Izzy has more than 22 years of marketing experience, including the last 8 years in the running industry working with brands and race directors across the sport. She is passionate about creating unforgettable race experiences and building strong trail communities both on and off the course.
When she is not working at races, creating content, or out on the trails, Izzy spends time with her husband and their two rescued pitbulls, Dally and Romanoff, splitting time between Idaho and Southern California.
Felix Lee
Customer Service & Race Office
“TransRockies events bring people together—and there’s a great run involved too.” – Felix
Felix keeps the TransRockies Race Office running smoothly while also leading the technology, IT and safety systems that support each event. Participants will often find him at registration, helping racers get signed in and answering questions about the days ahead. During the event, he may also be behind the scenes at the timing tent.
Felix joined the TransRockies team around 2018, when he began managing timing for the cycling events. By then, he had known Aaron through mountain bike racing for nearly 20 years and had participated in events including the TransRockies Golden 24 and Rundle’s Revenge.
With 20 years of experience as a Cycling Alberta commissaire, Felix brings a deep background in race operations. He has organized biketrials, cyclocross and mountain bike races, timed numerous TransRockies events and even spent several years riding biketrials professionally with the Norco Factory Team.
Away from work, Felix enjoys just about every cycling discipline, as well as canoeing and photographing the night sky. He’s also been playing the violin since he was five—proof that his talents extend well beyond bikes and race technology.
Ben Pickel
Partnerships & Commercial Strategy
“I believe the right partnerships can do much more than support an event they can genuinely elevate the athlete experience. As a runner and cyclist, myself, I’m motivated to build thoughtful partnerships that add real value and help make every TransRockies event even more memorable.” - Ben
Ben Pickel leads Partnerships & Commercial Strategy for TransRockies, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the endurance sports, cycling and outdoor industries. His career has spanned partnerships, sponsorship sales, marketing, events and brand strategy, including senior partnership roles with USA Triathlon and Life Time, where he worked with brands and events including Unbound Gravel, the Leadville Race Series and Sea Otter Classic.
Ben’s relationship with TransRockies began as a participant in 2010, when he completed the six-day TransRockies Run. He has since participated in several other TransRockies events, making his return to the organization as part of the team especially meaningful. A former professional runner and lifelong endurance enthusiast, Ben enjoys running, gravel and mountain biking, and exploring new places by bike or on foot.
He’s passionate about the people and community that make TransRockies special—the shared experience of taking on something challenging, embracing adventure and having a great time along the way. Outside of work and sport, Ben is currently writing a book of poetry and is a devoted fan of romantic comedies, particularly the work of Nora Ephron and John Cusack.