If you’ve ever considered running a global race series like UTMB, learn from the founders on why it’s so much more than a race.

Jon sits down with Michel and Catherine Poletti, the founders of the UTMB race series. They share their journey of starting and growing UTMB, along with essential business insights for organizing races. You won’t want to miss the philosophy that has been the foundation of their success.

Jon chats with Michel and Catherine about:

• Early Challenges and Growth of UTMB

• Expansion and Sustainability

• The Global Trail Running Boom

• Partnership with Ironman

• Maintaining Control and Expanding Globally

• Balancing Business and Community Values

Stay Connected:

Follow UTMB on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/utmbworldseries/?hl=en

UTMB’S Website:

https://utmb.world/

This episode is supported by:

• Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.

• Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!

• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.

What does it mean to TRULY be grateful for running and life?

Reid Burrows grew up in the small town of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, Canada. His endurance background is in the sport of triathlon. Upon leaving the pursuit of triathlon and chasing the Olympic dream, he fell in love with the trails and haven’t looked back since. In February of 2022, Reid quit his full-time job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time professional trail runner. By the end of 2022, he was picked up by Merrell with his first professional contract. Reid currently lives and trains out of Leadville, Colorado.

Jon chats with Reid about:

• Reid's Journey to Leadville

• Inspiration from Rob Krar

• The Importance of Story-Driven Brands

• Navigating Government and Contract Pressures

• Living and Training at High Altitude

Stay connected:

Follow Reid on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reidburrows/

This episode is supported by:

• Shokz: This episode is supported by Shokz. They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR for $10 off your purchase.

• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Go to tifosioptics.com and use code “HAPPY35” at checkout to save 35% (only on 8/15/25 until midnight PT). Otherwise, you can use code “FTLR2025” to save 20% anytime.

  Alpenglow: Visit https://www.alpenglowsolarandservice.com/ to learn more about solar solutions and contact Colleen!

Let's break down what is so special about trail running and why more people need to experience it.

Vivek Gowri is a Product Manager at NVIDIA, where he leads initiatives in gaming and AI hardware. When he’s not shaping the future of tech, he’s out on the trails as a dedicated runner and advocate for diversity in the outdoor space. He brings a thoughtful perspective to the intersection of technology, endurance sports, and inclusion — bridging innovation with impact on and off the trail.

Jon chats with Vivek about:

• Trail Running and the November Project

• Building a Diverse Running Community

• Inclusivity and Accessibility in Trail Running

• Investing in Running Businesses

• The Intersection of Tech and Running

• Trail Running Innovations and Events

Stay connected:

Vivek on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgowri/

This episode is supported by:

• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!

• PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!

• Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.

• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

• Eternal: Our newest partner and a company I'm also consulting for! Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their in-depth, two-hour physicals cover metabolic testing, mobility assessments, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis — all with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best. Check them out at eternal.co and use code FTLR for 10% off your performance physical.