Borderlands Trail and Ultra Running4 Nov 2024

200-Milers: the New Frontier or a Distraction?

Today on Bad Runners Take:

Are 200-mile races becoming a distraction or the main attraction in the ultra running community?
How do you feel about profitable races existing on volunteer labor?
Josh got into the Paris Marathon. Why is it so hard for trail runners to run on the road for a season?

Josh Rosenthal and Brian Peterson dive into these questions as they explore the growing prominence of these long-distance events.

They discuss the implications for elite athletes like Courtney Dauwalter, who is preparing for Cocodona 250, and how such races might shift focus away from traditional 100-mile competitions.

The conversation also touches on the culture of volunteerism in the sport, particularly in relation to profitable races, and the balance between community support and financial gain.

As the two navigate these topics, they reflect on their own running experiences and the evolving landscape of trail and ultra running.

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Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025

Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025

VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off.

PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off.

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The conversation discusses whether 200-mile races distract from the main attraction of ultra running.
Courtney's participation in Cocodona illustrates the growing popularity of 200-mile races.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of ultra running events, yet compensation raises questions.
Josh reflects on the conflict between road marathons and his identity as a trail runner.
The evolution of running shoes from durability to performance models has shifted expectations.
There's a debate on whether elite runners should focus solely on traditional 100-milers.

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