John M. DuCray is a long time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach (Football, Basketball, Baseball and Soccer as well) of 40 years and counting, in Sacramento. John is presently the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at ST. Francis High School. He has been at ST. Francis for 32 years. His Cross Country Team won the State Championship in 2002, in Division III.

Coach John retired in June 2008 from Sacramento City Unified School District, where he taught elementary P.E. for 19.5 years. Most of his teaching duties were performed at Theodore Judah in East Sacramento.

The Vision for the Thin Air Distance Festival running event came to John seven years ago while he was watching the Tour de France Cycling Race on Television. He said to a friend sitting next to him, "This same concept could be used in a running event lasting several days. Just like the Tour de France, we could have individual and team competitions each day of the running event. It would be fun."