Getting to know your Sponsors- Daniel Johnston, Geico of Greenwood.

It's time for another "What's the Dirt?" and this time we are happy to bring another Q & A featuring one more of the DINO TRAIL RUN SERIES Sponsors this year, Geico of Greenwood - Daniel Johnston. Here's an unsolicited shout out where we would encourage you to give Geico of Greenwood a call if you are looking to save on your insurance. Every opportunity to support our athlete's families or business is one we hope all of us stop and consider. As you will read below, Daniel was dealt some harsh adversity recently, but how he responds to life's lemons is beyond telling of his character. We are honored to have such wonderful people backing our beloved off-road sports. It truly takes a community of incredible, passionate individuals to create what has come to be the DINO experience.

Lastly, Daniel answered this Q & A before he took on Prairie on Fire Backyard Ultra this year. I'd like to give one more unsolicited shout out. He completed a very impressive 28 yards. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, a Backyard Ultra consist of completing a 4.167 mile loop every hour on the hour until only one individual can complete a solo-final lap to claim the win. So if you do the math, Daniel crushed it bringing in roughly 116.67 miles over 28hours. He did this as a charity run in support of The Little Red Door Agency, an Indianapolis based group that helps support cancer patients directly with services such as appearance-related services, hair services, transportation to cancer treatments, amongst many other wellness and support programs. You have earned mad kudos sir! Now, Enjoy the Q & A.

DINO - How long have you been racing with DINO ?  Are you involved in our trail runs, mountain biking, adventure races or triathlon? What was your first race with DINO? What was your most memorable race with DINO and why ? 

DANIEL - I have been racing with DINO since 2023 and have mostly been involved in the trail runs. My first race with DINO was the Tecumseh 50k. My most memorable race with DINO was definitely the Jackson County 100k in December, huge climbs, awesome people, and personally this was the most challenging race I have had the opportunity to attempt.

DINO - What keeps you coming back to DINO year after year? 

DANIEL - The people!! I have made some awesome friendships through these races and the Indiana DINO/trail running community is fantastic. Running in this community is awesome because everyone is facing the same challenge and I have never experienced so much love and support in one group of people.

DINO - Have you ever raced the series, either Mountain bike or run?  Tell us about your series experience and the way it challenged you during that particular year of racing. 

DANIEL - Personally, I have been fighting a battle with stage 3 melanoma and have a 1-year-old son, so I have not been able to complete the whole series yet. I do hope to complete the whole series one day, and every race I have been in has been amazing.

DINO - Tell us about your family's involvement with DINO. Do they also participate as athletes or are they primarily supporting you at the start/finish line? 

DANIEL - My wife is incredibly supportive but has not caught the running bug yet, I am lucky to have a family that always cheers me on through these challenges. 

DINO - You have taken your personal passion for endurance racing and chosen to expand that by becoming key financial sponsors for DINO. Tell us more about this decision. What is your driving force?  What do you hope will ultimately come from your sponsorship/partnership with DINO? 

DANIEL - This was an easy decision, the people in this community are incredible. I hope that my sponsorship can help in some small way to continue this special group and allow others to push themselves to new heights, just as it did for me.

DINO - If you could encourage one person today, who doubts their athleticism and ability to race, what would you say to them?

DANIEL - You are capable of so much more than you realize. Three weeks before Jackson County 100k I had surgery to remove tumors from my neck. Against all odds, I was able to not only start this race but finish and it was an incredible experience along the way. You can do absolutely anything if you plan, put in work, and stay positive.

Thank you "Geico of Greenwood & Daniel ", from team DINO, our families and on behalf of the many DINO athletes like yourself you are helping support in this beloved sport!

HAPPY TRAILS!

If you would like to learn how to become a supporting sponsor hit us up info@dinoseries.com