Surviving GDR 2025 - Tails from the Trail with Amy Johnson & Stephen Ball

In this episode of the East Coast Ultra Running Podcast, Runbum and Scottapants sit down with Georgia Death Race 2025 participants Amy Johnson and Stephen Ball to break down their wild and unforgettable experiences on one of the East Coast’s most grueling ultra courses.

🏆 Amy Johnson took first place female, proving that a love for the journey and a strong mindset can overcome any obstacle. From training with a double stroller to forgetting her headlamp at the start of the race, Amy’s story is a testament to embracing the unexpected, relying on community support, and just going for it. She also shares her thoughts on encouraging more fast runners to tackle the GDR and how her husband’s unwavering support made all the difference.

🤢 Stephen Ball might not have finished first, but his journey was just as inspiring. Balancing a demanding nursing career with race training, Stephen recounts the ups and downs of the GDR, from mental strategies to keep moving, to gastrointestinal struggles that almost derailed his race. With humor and resilience, Stephen talks about breaking the course into mental segments, overtraining on climbs, and the brutal reality of the descents.

Both runners reflect on what they learned from GDR 2025, the importance of community support, and their future goals – including Stephen’s determination to crack a sub-20 next time.

Whether you’re training for your first ultra or eyeing the Georgia Death Race yourself, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and the gritty reality of what it takes to conquer the course.

Check out the newest issue of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine!
https://www.eastcoastultrarunning.com/

Episode Sponsored by

Leroy's House of Ribs

Sparta TN

Trailhead Recreation Co.

"We're just here for the trailhead"

https://www.trailheadrecreation.co/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me