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Meet the team behind Outback in the Ozarks—an adventurous and passionate group dedicated to carrying on the legacy of this incredible race. With diverse backgrounds in the outdoors and a shared love for community, health, and fitness, they bring a wealth of experience in ultra-endurance running, Ironman competitions, olympic lifting and CrossFit.
Amanda and Dale Gainey, Jason Thomas and Jennifer Olivero, along with Jonny and Hanniel Schultz, are committed to making OTO an unforgettable experience for every participant. Their combined expertise, enthusiasm, and deep appreciation for the challenge and camaraderie of endurance sports ensure that the spirit of OTO will not only continue but thrive in the years ahead.
The Beginning of OTO
2011
Outback in the Ozarks was born from a bold idea that came to Kimberlee Guin in 2011. She turned to her husband, Todd, and asked, “What if we were to start a 200-mile team relay race through the Ozarks?” Todd, ever the supportive husband, smiled and nodded, assuming it was a passing thought. But Kimberlee’s vision was anything but fleeting.
2013
Over the next two years, the Guins poured hundreds of hours of effort—blood, sweat, and tears—into bringing that vision to life. By May 2013, Outback in the Ozarks held its inaugural race. In a twist of fate, race day brought the first May snowfall in over 100 years in Arkansas. Undeterred, roughly 100 determined runners tackled the grueling 24- to 36-hour course through the breathtaking Ozark Mountains. That first event proved to be more than just a race—it was the start of something truly special.
2013 - 2018
As word spread, OTO quickly became one of Northwest Arkansas’s most recognized and anticipated events. Over the next five years, participation grew to nearly 1,000 runners, solidifying its reputation as a premier endurance challenge.
2019
Life led Todd and Kimberlee to Idaho, putting OTO on hold. The following years brought global challenges, economic shifts, and personal growth, but through it all, their passion for Outback in the Ozarks never wavered.
2025
Todd and Kimberlee entrusted Outback in the Ozarks to a new team, ensuring that the legacy they built would continue for years to come. With the same spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defined the race from the very beginning, the new team is dedicated to carrying OTO forward, giving runners the opportunity to experience the beauty and challenge of the Ozarks. Though the Guins have passed the torch, their vision and passion will forever be woven into the heart of the race. Outback in the Ozarks lives on, stronger than ever.