HPRS Podcast – Episode 80: 2026 State of the Sport Address

HPRS Podcast – Episode 80: 2026 State of the Sport Address

Author: John Lacroix March 14, 2026 Duration: 2:06:02

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. Episode 80 is Part 3 of a 3 part series on The State of Ultrarunning.

In the conclusion of this three-part series, HPRS owner and race director John LaCroix delivers his most raw and data-backed "State of the Sport Address" to date. Using 21 years of longitudinal data from Colorado and beyond, John pulls back the curtain on the "Ghost Race" phenomenon, the math of corporate greed, and the reality of the permit ceiling facing federal land use.

This episode features an opening reflection by Dr. Jacob Ambrose on the "AuDHD" (Autism & ADHD) experience—prioritizing truth over simplicity—which sets the stage for a discussion on why the sport is entering a critical "Stewardship Era."

Key Topics Covered:

  • The 100-Mile Bubble: Why race counts are up 27% while finishes have stagnated.

  • Extraction vs. Stewardship: The rise of corporate "Ironmanization" and predatory race scheduling.

  • The Math of Entry Fees: A forensic look at why $500 entries are becoming the norm (and why it's not just inflation).

  • The Cultural Shift: Moving from a "frat house" atmosphere of mockery back to a "sanctuary" of belonging.

  • HPRS Updates: Why John is choosing "depth over breadth" by reducing race counts and leaning into the Community Fund.


John Lacroix, the owner and race director behind the Human Potential Running Series, hosts this engaging The Human Potential Running Series Podcast. Rather than focusing solely on race results or training plans, the conversations here dig into the rich human stories that form the backbone of the trail and ultrarunning community. Each episode is built around the people who are out there on the trails, whether they're pushing their limits as runners or dedicating their time as volunteers. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices connected to HPRS, exploring their personal motivations, the challenges they've overcome, and the unique perspectives they bring to the sport. This podcast sits at the intersection of endurance sports and genuine human connection, reflecting its place in categories like Sports, Culture, and Society. It’s about the shared experiences and individual passions that make long-distance running about much more than just miles. Tuning in provides a sense of belonging and insight into what drives people to participate in this demanding yet rewarding world. The discussions are personal, often profound, and always rooted in the real lives of the community members. For anyone curious about the deeper narratives behind the running shoes and finish lines, this series offers a compelling and authentic listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

The Human Potential Running Series Podcast
Podcast Episodes
HPRS Podcast – Episode 59: On Belongingness Theory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:29
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 59, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms, dive into Belongingness Theory. In this episode, the trio explores w…
HPRS Podcast Episode 58: Welcome Megan Storms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:55
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 58, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott welcome our newest co-host, Megan Storms, to the program. In this episode, we get to kn…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 57: 2025 State of Ultra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 57 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix provides his data collection and analysis for ultramarathon running in 2024, and where the sport finds itself tod…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 56: Jenna Carosio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:22
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 56, we welcome HPRS community member Jenna Carosio to talk about her life experiences and journey into running. In this episode we talk about Jenna'…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 55: On Fueling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:49
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 55, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss fueling. A wide ranging conversation that talks about daily diets and fueling d…
Episode 54: Trail Etiquette & Other Musings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:48
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 54, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott dive into trail etiquette. Who has the right of way on trails? What is it to be courteo…
Episode 53: Reboot with Thomas Stott and Talking Preparedness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:47
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 53 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes new co-host Thomas Stott to the program. In this episode we get to know Tom, his life in general, his jo…
Episode 51: What It's Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:33
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 51 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about What It's Like to be a race director, but this time from the emotional/mental perspective. In previou…
Episode 50: What Prize Money Gets Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:03
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 50 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about recent ultrarunning press releases; most notably the news of Camile Herron's involvement in a wikiped…