HPRS Podcast – Episode 78: The State of the Sport, Part 1 - Influencers, Elitism, and Trail Ethics
From The Human Potential Running Series Podcast by John Lacroix
February 27, 2026 · 2h 1m · Season 5 · Episode 78
About this episode
The episode discusses the current state of the ultrarunning industry, focusing on the clash between traditional trail culture and modern influencer dynamics.
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. Episode 78, is the first installment of a special three-part series, where HPRS Race Director John Lacroix sits down with guests Gordon Harvey, Mike Gampp, and Megan Storms to pull back the curtain on the current state of the ultrarunning industry. Part 1 focuses on the friction between "old school" trail culture and the high-gloss world of modern influencers. From the impact of film crews on the runner experience to the legal and permitting repercussions of high-profile rule-breaking, the group explores if the sport is losing its "dirtbag" soul. Topics in Part 1: The "Influencer" Formula: How social media monetization is shifting race priorities. Prize Money & Elitism: Does the focus on the top 1% marginalize the back-of-the-pack? Stewardship & Permits: The real-world consequences of cutting switchbacks and ecological harm. The "It's Not About You" Ethos: Why rules exist to protect shared spaces. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week as the roundtable continues, followed by John's solo "State of the Sport Address" in Part 3.
People in this episode
Host: John Lacroix
Guests: Gordon Harvey, Mike Gampp, Megan Storms
Topics covered
- ultrarunning industry
- trail culture
- influencers
- elitism
- stewardship
- race priorities
Keywords
- ultrarunning
- trail ethics
- influencer culture
- race elitism
- environmental stewardship
More episodes of The Human Potential Running Series Podcast
- HPRS Podcast – Episode 81: The Ai Race Director · June 3, 2026 · 2h 27m
- HPRS Podcast – Episode 80: 2026 State of the Sport Address · March 14, 2026 · 2h 6m
- HPRS Podcast – Episode 79: The State of the Sport, Part 2 - Gray Areas, Risk Management, and the Tragedy of the Commons · March 6, 2026 · 2h 20m
- HPRS Podcast – Episode 77: Full Circle in the Franklin Mountains · January 29, 2026 · 1h 51m
- HPRS Podcast - Episode 76: Izzy Davis, On Grief and Gratitude · January 18, 2026 · 1h 29m
- HPRS Podcast – Episode 75: Camille Herron, The Truth · December 4, 2025 · 3h 22m
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