Talk Ultra

Ian Corless

An ultra running podcast bringing you news, reviews and interviews from around the ultra world

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 259: Fred Abramowitz and the $100,000 Run Rabbit Run Revolution

    In Episode 259 of Talk Ultra, we speak with Fred Abramowitz, Race Director of Run Rabbit Run, following the landmark announcement that the RRR ultra will award a $100,000 prize purse to both the men's and women's winners in 2027 and 2028. The news has sent shockwaves through the ultra running community, sparking excitement, debate, and plenty of questions about what this means for the future of the sport. Is this the next evolution of professional trail running, or does such a significant prize purse risk changing the very essence of ultra running? Fred joins us to explain the thinking behind the decision, the goals of the initiative, and how Run Rabbit Run hopes to elevate the profile of ultra-distance racing. We discuss athlete opportunities, increased media attention, sponsorship, competitive depth, and the potential benefits for the sport as a whole. Of course, with any major change comes criticism. We also delve into concerns around professionalism, competitive balance, accessibility, race culture, and whether large cash prizes could create unintended consequences for grassroots trail and ultra events. It's a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation that explores both sides of one of the biggest stories in ultra running today. Whether you think the announcement is a game-changer or a step too far, this episode offers valuable insight into the motivations behind the move and what it could mean for the future of the sport. Join us for Episode 259 of Talk Ultra with Fred Abramowitz. The good, the bad, and everything in between.

  2. Sep 17

    Episode 258 - Henriette Albon

    Henriette's story is one of obsessive discipline, deliberate practice and a willingness to reject the conventional path. Competitive, fiercely self-reliant and prepared to put in the work when nobody is watching. But there is much more to her story than results. From obstacle course racing and an early connection with Tromsø that involved her honeymoon, through races such as the Ring of Steel, skyrunning and the World Championships, Henriette steadily built her way into the elite of the sport. A period of serious health issues interrupted that progression, but her return produced a remarkable run of performances - including 6th at OCC and CCC, 6th at Lavaredo 80K, victory at Templiers 47K, a winter Bob Graham Round record of 17:55 across 106 km and 42 peaks, 3rd at Trofeo Kima, victory at UTS 50K, and back-to-back Transgrancanaria wins in 2025 and 2026. But the results are only part of the conversation. We talk about leaving a corporate career as an auditor to become a full-time runner, the role Norway has played in shaping her - from the Romsdal mountains and local races to brutal weather and hugely varied terrain. We also get into some of the less comfortable subjects in elite sport: women's health and RED-S, body shape and what 'healthy' actually means, sponsorship and the freedom to make your own choices, shoe selection, common sense and decision-making, and the pressures surrounding UTMB and the modern ultra-running landscape. Henriette is refreshingly honest, no BS and unafraid to speak about subjects that many athletes avoid. Through the Ascend Trail, Arc'teryx, her new partnership with Raid Research and the Sufferfest film, she is also building something beyond simply being a professional runner. An outlier, certainly. But perhaps more importantly, someone prepared to question the rules, take responsibility for her own decisions and find her own way through the sport.

4.5
out of 5
99 Ratings

About

An ultra running podcast bringing you news, reviews and interviews from around the ultra world

You Might Also Like