The recent two-year suspension of Kenyan trail runner Joyline Chepngeno provided yet another reminder that trail running and ultrarunning are far from immune to the impact of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) on the sport. In my case, this latest news filled me with a variety of emotions: anger, disappointment, frustration, and, most notably, sadness. It simply makes me deeply sad that the beloved sport that I first embraced wholeheartedly over three decades ago has become a place where PEDs are now used.
I came of age in the era of Lance Armstrong in cycling and Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa in baseball. At the time, I honestly believed that PEDs were for other sports. Yet, as increased competition and exposure have fueled the incredible growth of trail running and ultrarunning over the past 15 years, it seems that the use of drugs has also increased. We are no longer immune.
The incredible expansion of trail and ultrarunning has come with some growing pains, including PED use. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
While I know it sounds Pollyanna-ish, up until a few years ago, I truly believed that trail running and ultrarunning could steer clear of PEDs. I believed that smart race organizers, well-educated coaches, and enlightened brands could combine to withstand the pressure of high performance and keep the sport clean. That is certainly not the case now, and it makes me sad.
I know I often sound like a broken record in this space talking about the good old days, the simpler times when sponsorship was a few pairs of shoes and some race entries, when brands promoted events because they believed in them, and when those who participated in the sport did so for the simple love of the outdoors and the camaraderie of their fellow runners. I am sure that in some places, this is all still true, but doping violations like the one we saw earlier this week, and several other times over the past few years, leave a stain on the sport and a bad taste in my mouth.
A runner in the high country during the first afternoon of Hardrock 2023. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Certainly, at this point, we cannot stem the rising tide of big money in the sport. In many ways, I am happy about this, as it allows athletes, media personalities, coaches, and race organizers to actually make a living doing what they love. But, it also comes at a cost, and I wonder how great, ultimately, that cost will be to the core of the sport.
Two years ago, I wrote a piece about trail running as a “soul sport.” In that article, I compared aspects of trail running with the soul sports of bouldering, surfing, and fishing, with examples of three friends of mine who embrace those sports: Ryan Whited, Andy Gere, and Bryon Powell. From my point of view, a soul sport is one that is not necessarily competitive but rather is a sport that exists for the simple act of participation. A sport that, while building the body, also feeds the soul.
AJW and pacer Bryon Powell, deep into the adventure at the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
These days, in order to quell the sadness that fills me with the current state of the sport, I have chosen to embrace trail running as a soul sport, and I encourage you all to do so, too.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Montana Brewing Company in Billings, Montana. Fatbelly Amber is a deliciously balanced amber ale with a healthy dose of caramel and just the right amount of hops to keep you honest. A perfect ale with which to celebrate the arrival of fall.
