Love & Obliteration: David Roche on Leadville and Life

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Ultra Uncovered, we sit down with back-to-back Leadville Trail 100 champion and course record holder David Roche following his stunning 15:12:30 performance in 2025. What unfolds is not just a race recap, but a raw and emotional reflection on love, vulnerability, burnout, redemption, and what it means to truly run for something deeper than results. David shares how he approached this year’s race unburdened by expectations, inspired by joy, community, and the concept of “obliterating himself with love”—a total contrast to the pressure and challenges he faced at Western States.

The conversation dives into the motivation behind his “orange era,” Taylor Swift metaphors, fueling breakthroughs, what it means to be a privateer athlete in today’s sponsorship landscape, and why Leadville—and the people who line its trails—feel like home. It’s a candid portrait of one of trail running’s most thoughtful athletes navigating what it means to own your story, race with heart, and share your gifts with the world.

Thumbnail photo: The Talented Peter Maksimow