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Joan DeLeon's path to becoming one of trail running's most exciting talents defies conventional narratives. From the concrete streets of Waco, Texas, to stunning the mountain running world by beating Joe Gray at A-Basin, his journey combines raw talent with refreshing authenticity.

Growing up without mountains or trails, DeLeon's running foundation came through summer track programs where Baylor University athletes served as mentors. This early exposure to quality coaching propelled him to collegiate success, but his introduction to mountain running came almost by accident when college teammate Cade Michael convinced him to visit Colorado's Gunnison Valley after graduation.

What began as a temporary stay evolved into five transformative years in one of America's mountain running epicenters. DeLeon speaks candidly about discovering a completely different relationship with running in the mountains – one characterized by freedom and exploration rather than oval tracks. This new environment rekindled his love for the sport after collegiate burnout.

The trail running community embraced DeLeon after his breakthrough performance at Cirque Series A-Basin, rallying through a GoFundMe to send him to Golden Trail Series races. This experience opened his eyes to the global mountain running scene, inspiring a more structured approach to training under the guidance of the Hemmings coaching team and leading to his new partnership with Satisfy Running.

Looking toward 2025, DeLeon balances ambitious competitive goals—including the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee—with genuine appreciation for the journey. His competitive philosophy combines fierce determination with perspective: "We're all friends, but when we step on the line, my job is to destroy you."

Ready to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story? Follow Joan's 2025 season as he continues to redefine what's possible for a kid from the concrete jungle.

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