Doping, Money and the Future of Ultrarunning with Zach Bitter episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 14, 2026 · 1H 22M

Doping, Money and the Future of Ultrarunning with Zach Bitter

from Free Outside · host Jeff Garmire

Running culture is changing fast. Athletes now share every workout, fans follow races year-round, money and attention are concentrated around a handful of major events, and ultrarunning is being forced to confront doping, peptides and what “clean sport” actually means.Ultrarunner, coach and podcast host Zach Bitter joins Jeff Garmire to discuss whether money is ruining trail running, the rise of athlete content, Josh Kerr calling his shot at the mile world record and why real fandom has finally arrived in ultrarunning.They also explore the growing difficulty of entering Western States and Hardrock, what multi-day runners are doing differently, sleep strategies in backyard ultras, why runners start 100-milers too fast and what modern ultrarunning can learn from the wild history of pedestrianism.Finally, Zach offers a nuanced look at PEDs, BPC-157, therapeutic use exemptions and whether races may eventually need separate competitive and participation categories. He also shares an update on his return to running after a blood clot and the possibility of another 100-mile race.Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

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Doping, Money and the Future of Ultrarunning with Zach Bitter

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