Ultra Uncovered

Ultra Uncovered

"Welcome to Ultra Uncovered, the podcast where we explore the untamed world of ultra running. Together, we're peeling back the layers of iconic races, challenging terrains, and the incredible stories that fuel the passion for the sport. Get ready to uncover the raw essence of ultra running with us.

  1. APR 21

    Open Fuel Uncovered: What We Carry Matters: Rethinking Fuel in Endurance Sports

    In this episode of Ultra Uncovered, Corinne Shalvoy and Russell Ditsworth sit down with Zach Hauer, co-founder of Open Fuel North America, to uncover the origin story, philosophy, and future of one of trail running’s most intriguing emerging nutrition brands. Zach shares how a chance discovery at a bakery in Cape Town during a trip for Ultra Trail Cape Town sparked his connection to Open Fuel. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a partnership with founder Andrew, leading Zach to leave his day job and fully commit to building the brand alongside his own pursuits as a competitive ultrarunner. The conversation dives into what sets Open Fuel apart in a crowded sports nutrition market, including a focus on sustainability, reduced waste, and thoughtful formulation. From their innovative funnel scoop to their DIY gel mix, the brand is challenging conventional norms around fueling while prioritizing both performance and environmental impact. Zach also breaks down the science and intention behind their products, including carb-to-sodium ratios, ingredient sourcing, and gut-friendly formulation, while highlighting the importance of balancing performance needs with responsible business practices. Beyond the product, the episode explores broader themes in trail running, including the rise of professionalism in the sport, the tension between growth and consumerism, and the power of community-driven brands. Zach shares his perspective as both an athlete and founder, including his recent success at Big Alta 100K and upcoming goals at Cocodona 250. The episode wraps with insights into Open Fuel’s future, including expansion into retail, new product development, athlete team growth, and a long-term vision of eliminating plastic packaging entirely. A thoughtful, candid conversation about building a brand with purpose in a rapidly evolving sport. Check out Open Fuel & let them know you heard about it here!

    57 min
  2. APR 16

    DMRC Uncovered: The Mile 70 Idea That Became Death March Running Company

    In this episode of Ultra Uncovered, Corinne and Russell sit down with two of the founders of Death March Running Company, Taylor Horowitz and Kody Riley, to unpack the story behind one of trail running’s most creative and fast-rising brands. Born out of shared suffering deep into ultra races, Death March started as a long-running idea between friends and came to life mid-race at High Lonesome. What began as a passion project focused on irreverent, relatable graphics has quickly grown into a recognizable brand rooted in authenticity, humor, and the realities of ultra running. Taylor and Kody share how their complementary strengths, creative chaos balanced with thoughtful execution, have shaped the brand’s rapid growth, all while juggling full-time jobs and late-night order fulfillment. They dive into how most of their ideas come straight from the trail, capturing the universal experiences of runners, from “blister sisters” to porta-potty emergencies. The conversation explores: How Death March built momentum organically through authenticity and communityThe role of storytelling, humor, and shared experience in their designsTheir approach to athlete teams, emphasizing community builders over performance statsPartnerships with races like High Lonesome and unique activations like the Western States beer mileThe balance between keeping things fun versus scaling into something bigger.They also reflect on the evolving landscape of trail running, their desire to preserve the sport’s “dirtbag ethos,” and the importance of inclusivity, highlighted by their majority-female athlete team and intentional community focus. At its core, Death March Running Company is less about apparel and more about celebrating the weird, gritty, and deeply human side of ultra running, by people who are living it themselves. Shop DMRC See Corinne's Carnage Trail Kids Trading Card If you're enjoying the show, leave us a review and tell a friend!

    1h 2m
4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

"Welcome to Ultra Uncovered, the podcast where we explore the untamed world of ultra running. Together, we're peeling back the layers of iconic races, challenging terrains, and the incredible stories that fuel the passion for the sport. Get ready to uncover the raw essence of ultra running with us.

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