E66: John Lacroix: Weather, Wilderness, and the Uncertain Future of Trail Running

Today’s "Weathering The Run" episode features ultra-runner and race director John Lacroix, founder of the Human Potential Running Series, including a HPRS podcast that accompanies the races he puts on. He is well known in the trail running community, perhaps for his nickname he used to have (Sherpa John) or for founding the first 200 mile trail race in New England. We explore his unforgettable experiences running through snowstorms, nor’easters, tornado warnings, and scorching heat. John also frankly addresses past criticisms, the crossroads facing trail running—and urges us all to step up for public land stewardship and volunteerism.

Conversation Highlights:

-Weather extremes on the trail: snow, wind, heat, and more.

-Reflecting on previous controversies with transparency and growth.

-Trail running’s survival hinges on more volunteer support and advocacy:.

Final Call to Action from John:

“If you have time to train, you have time to volunteer… reach out to your race director—there’s always something to do, from cleaning gear to race-day support…"

Resources & Ways to Get Involved:

• Runners for Public Lands — empowering runners to protect public lands

• Outdoor Alliance — a coalition uniting recreation advocates to conserve America’s public lands

• Access Fund — national advocates for sustainable climbing and trail access

• Colorado Fourteeners Initiative — stewarding Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through volunteer trail work

• Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) — invests lottery proceeds into conservation and recreation projects across the state