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 Bonus Episode - Introducing Stefan Schuster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For this Bonus Episode we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster, our new co-host for our summer series of shows!
HPRS Podcast - Episode 11: Steve White, What Is Truth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:52
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 11 we welcome HPRS runner Steve White to talk about the question on the back of his bib from Stories Ultra 2022.
HPRS Update: April 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:48
Quick HPRS update with RD John Lacroix! He'll discuss upcoming episodes, and a little more behind the scenes at HPRS.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 7: Danny Manimbo, Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:01
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 7 we welcome HPRS runner Danny Manimbo who joined us to talk about keeping things in perspective in life and along its many journeys.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 6: The Redman's, An Ultra Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:53
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 6 we welcome HPRS runners Orrin Redman and Rachael Redman who joined us to talk about their experiences as an ultra family.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 4: Nicole Bosco, Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:55
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 4 we welcome HPRS runner Nicole Bosco who joined us to talk about leadership.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 3: Joe Von Bokern [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:34
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 3 we welcome HPRS runner Joe Von Bokern who joined us to talk about.. well.. anything. This is an entertaining episode full of personality.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 2: Mary Stumbaugh, The Back of the Pack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:48
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 2 we welcome HPRS runner Mary Stumbaugh who joined us to specifically talk about what it's like to proudly be a back of the packer, and all around a…