Episode
Is Ultrarunning Losing Its Charm?
- Published
- Mar 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1524
- Processing state
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Summary
Ultrarunning is evolving and growing fast and with that growth, ultra running feels different. Josh digs into how the sport is changing as it becomes more competitive, more visible, and more professional than ever before and asks whether something essential is being lost along the way. From duct-taped water bottles and campfire start lines to global races with thousands of runners and highly engineered gear, this episode explores what that shift really means. From the rise of new brands and technologies to the increasing professionalization of the sport, the conversation looks at what we’ve gained—and what we might be leaving behind. Not as something to judge, but as an evolution that is reshaping how ultrarunning feels, who it’s for, and where it’s going next. For runners thinking about how ultrarunning is changing and what that means for the future of trail running and ultrarunning. Please give us a follow, rate the podcast, and give a review. Topics / Timestamps 00:00 The Evolution of Ultra Running 02:23 Defining the Charm of Ultra Running 07:15 Ultrarunning is Really Two Sports in One 11:54 Professionalization vs. Community 17:00 The Standardization and Predictability of Ultra Races 23:43 The Trade-Offs of Growth - we're losing something Resources / Links La Barba Coffee ACG Gorge Waterfalls Mountain Outpost Western States Leadville Wasatch 100 Barkley Marathons EcoTrail Paris Related Episodes Dirtbag Culture vs. Luxury Running Brands How Ciele Athletics Built a Running Movement Presented by Kiprun . ---- Find us at Borderlands.cc and sign up for the newsletter . Want to run in the Salt Lake area? Check out the Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races happening May 30, 2026. And if you haven't checked out Wylder yet, it's worth a look. iOS or Android