Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB

Join in the fun all May long, thanks to the Auburn Trails Alliance! Auburn Trails Alliance  has partnered with cycling businesses, clubs, and other organizations to present a schedule that includes challenges, a kick off party on May 3, a Speakers Series, a Movie Night, a Maintenance Clinic, a Trivia Night, and Raffle Block Party, and most activities will include bike valet services. Visit their Website for all the info!

This guide was sent via email to the Tevis email list this morning. In case you are not on that list, here is a link to the information: 68th Annual Tevis Guide. Whether you are a rider, crew member, volunteer, family member, or an unattached spectator, you will find this to be a valuable resource!

16 year-old Miakota (Mia) Toy, above, embodies the spirit of Auburn, The Endurance Capital of the World®.

by Anne Thilges, photos courtesy of Mia’s family.

As the youngest woman competing at the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB® held the weekend of April 27, 2024, she won her race division by running 25Km of hilly canyon trails in under three hours. Mia was inspired to take up running by her mother, Mehrey Vaghti, who raced the 50Km distance that same day. After watching her mother finish so strongly in the ultra-distance, Mia found her next goal: To step up to the 50Km as well.

Above, Mia greets her Mom, Mehrey Vaghti, at the 2024 Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB 50K finish.

Mia was also inspired by runners of the Western States Endurance Run (WSER). She grew up near the race’s 99 mile mark near the top of Robie Point. When she was younger, her idea of endurance was trying to stay awake through the entire night to cheer the WSER runners at the popular Mile 99 neighborhood run cheering party. Now she has her eye on eventually racing the WSER 100 miler. In fact, Mia’s best memory of her recent 25Km journey was running through her neighborhood on her way to the finish line. She enjoyed the cheers from her neighbors, many of whom she previously cheered for at the WSER.

Mia, an honors student at Colfax High School, not only trains for running but also competes on the Colfax varsity tennis team. Only three days before the Canyons race, Mia competed in the Pioneer Valley League Singles Tennis Tournament. She triumphed as runner-up there, by playing four grueling matches over the course of 5-1/2 hours. Despite starting the Canyons race with sore muscles from the tournament, Mia overcame that initial challenge and actually found her stride as the race progressed. This ability to push through discomfort and thrive under pressure speaks volumes about Mia’s character and athletic prowess.

Mia, runner up at the Pioneer Valley League Singles Tournament with Teammate Monika Chang-Mazur

Mia’s ability to manage her rigorous academic workload, extracurricular commitments, and intense training schedule is truly impressive. It’s a testament to her exceptional time management skills, dedication, and determination to excel in every aspect of her life.

Having a supportive network undoubtedly plays a crucial role in Mia’s success. In addition to training with her mother, she also received training advice from lifelong friends, Christina and Dennis Curley. Their encouragement, coaching, and presence during the race provided invaluable reinforcement.

With her adventurous spirit, resilience, and support system in place, Mia Toy is poised for even greater achievements in the future. It’s inspiring to see such a young athlete setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to make them a reality. Mia Toy is what makes Auburn the Endurance Capital of the World®.

Cautionary note from the Endurance Capital Committee: If you have or know of a young athlete who is training in an endurance sport, be sure they have proper coaching and the oversight of a qualified health professional. 

Robert “Bob” Miller 1/21/1947 – 2/28/2024

Reprinted Courtesy of the Auburn Journal

Robert “Bob” Miller passed away peacefully in his home on February 28th at the age of 77 after courageously battling Prostate Cancer for 2 years.

Bob was born on January 21, 1947 to Fred and Roberta “Marie” Miller in Sacramento, CA. He was raised in the Sacramento area, graduated from Encina High School in 1965 and San Jose State College in 1969. In 1970, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and served for 7 years.

Bob was married to Beverlee Reina from 1966 to 1997. They raised 5 children in the Sacramento region over the next 20 years before moving to Auburn in 1989.

He was employed in the Banking industry as an Account Executive for 30+ years. He worked for Home Federal while living in the Sacramento area and continued his career in Auburn where he was employed by Placer Savings and Loan and then J.P. Morgan Chase, retiring in 2012.

He was lucky to find love again and married Joyce Lambros in 2003. They loved vacationing in Lake Tahoe, Monterey and Maui, always finding trails to explore and enjoy. Throughout his life, Bob was an avid racquetball player and member of the Auburn Racquet Club. Bob was a sports enthusiast. He loved watching San Francisco Giants and 49ers games and was a proud supporter of Placer Hillman Football. But nothing gave him more pleasure than watching his grandchildren’s soccer or baseball games.

Bob loved the Auburn community with all it has to offer, having served as Chairman of the City of Auburn Endurance Capital Committee for the past 10 years. He was very proud to promote and represent the city of Auburn as “The Endurance Capital of the World®”. You would see him and his great smile at all the local events at the Endurance Booth alongside his wife, Joyce.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce, his 5 children; Paul Miller (Amy Hall), Rebekah (Scott) Graef, Matthew (Shannon) Miller, Jonathan (Rachel) Miller, Megan (Troy) Hotaling, 3 step children Kim (Luis) Arellano, Helen (Nizar) Slim, Leah (Gregory) Harbottle, his 12 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren, his sister Joan (Dean) Carter and former spouse Beverlee (Carl) Kimura as well as many nieces and nephews.

A very special thank you to family, friends, neighbors and the Auburn Community for cards, flowers and support. Bob will live in our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.