Andi Jameson scholarship recipient for Grand to Grand Ultra
- Laurali Noteman
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Colin and Tess Geddes, co-founders of the Grand-to-Grand Ultra (GtoG), offer two community scholarships for the 171-mile foot race. Andi Jameson was awarded one of the scholarships for 2025, which was allotted to Kane County Assistance Program, (KCAP). She has a background in running and wilderness experiences, currently working as a guide for Roam tours, that makes her uniquely prepared.
Andi was born in Romania, was placed in an orphanage and adopted by Bob and Anne Jameson, of Fort Worth, Texas, when she was one. “I got really lucky,” she stated, “my parents are wonderful humans.” During the pandemic she chose to move to Utah where she worked as a wilderness guide for children, then onto guiding for women in Utah and North Carolina, then back to Saint George, Utah.
She drove to Texas to visit her parents two years ago, on her way back she stopped by to visit friends in Kanab. They were looking for a housemate and Andi jumped at the chance. Melanie Rader, one of her housemates and previous GtoG scholarship recipient, challenged Andi to apply and she did. One of the goals for Colin and Tess is that the race gives back to the community. They offer scholarships and those awarded run to raise funds for their sponsors. The funds Andi will raise go back into our community through the Assistance Program, helping residents of our communities when they need a hand up.
Andi and Melanie’s partner drove to the finish line the year Melanie ran, “I don’t think I realized what the GtoG entailed. She left on Saturday and got back the following Saturday.” The next year, “I watched other friends cross the finish line. Friends, the media, the animals, the tears. It was powerful.” Andi continued, “As I talk to more people, I find it’s also a real mental game. You are out in the wilderness, by yourself for a long time. You have to be able to dig deep and face some of your personal demons. It’s a good opportunity to process.”
“As soon as we found out I was awarded the scholarship, my mom went down 18,000 rabbit holes. She sent me Sarah Lavender Smith’s book The Trail Runners Companion. Sarah Smith ran the GtoG and has great tips and tricks on how to take care of yourself, how to run in sand, how to take care of your feet. It’s very informative.”
Andi is running unsupported; she is carrying everything she needs expect water, which is supplied at the staging areas. “Things are starting to come together, I’m getting my food and supplies organized, then I can start weighing my pack. The upper weight per pack is 26lbs.” One food packet she is definitely taking is, “Mountain Berry Cobler, my guilty pleasure.”
