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 34: A USFS Shakeup for Trail and Ultra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:02
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 34 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes Jason Keith to the program. Jason is a trail and ultramarathon runner who works and volunteers…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 33: The Future of HPRS Part 2 with Cade Hanson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:52
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 33 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes HPRS runners and volunteer Cade Hanson to the program. We get to know Cade and his journey int…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 32: The Future of HPRS Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:29
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 32 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix discusses the level of "burn out" he experienced in Late 2022/Early 2023 that almost led to his retirin…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 31: Running From The Violence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:23
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 31 we welcome Kevin, a runner who took on the Stories Ultra 15-Hour this February to discuss the answer to the question on the back of his bib, "How…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 30: Tim Leach, 2022 HPRS Rookie of the Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:39
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 30 we welcome HPRS community member Tim Leach to talk about their experiences in running. In this episode we talk about Tim's journey going from a s…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 26: Ultras Cults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:10
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 26 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss Ultra Cults. A cult is a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. Wh…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 25: Thru-Hiking and Fast Packing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:23
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 25 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss his journey into thru hiking. We also talk about fast packing and how backpacking experiences c…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 24: The Life Cycle of an Ultra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:19
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 24 we welcome HPRS Assistant Race Director Emily Royal as our special guest host to discuss the life cycle of an ultra, more specifically the rise a…