Episode 29: Insights into the Growth and Future of Ultrarunning with Guest David Callahan, CEO of Ultrasignup

In this episode of the ‘All Things Endurance’ Podcast, host Rick Prince chats with David Callahan, Co-CEO of Ultrasignup. As the leading event registration platform for ultrarunning events, David has a unique perspective on the state and growth of ultrarunning. Some of the topics that Rick and David discuss are:

1.       Could you tell our listeners a little more about your background, both professionally and athletically?

2.       The popularity of ultrarunning is through the roof, what are some of the key factors that you believe are driving this popularity?

3.       Within the sport of ultrarunning and based on Ultrasignup’s data, are there specific distances that are seeing above average growth?

4.       Where do you see the sport of ultrarunning over the next 5-10 years?

5.       Athletes within sports like gravel racing and climbing often resent the result of their sports becoming more popular and mainstream – do you think this is, or will be the case with ultrarunning?

6.       In the same vein as the prior question, popularity often comes with large organizations looking to purchase events. Is there a concern amongst the ultra community that the acquired events will lose their identity? 

7.       For someone that is looking to get into ultrarunning, do you have any advice in regard to what type of ultra to choose as their first ultra event?

8.       We often hear from our ultra coaches that running ultra’s are addictive. While it’s also true of road running, it seems to be more the case with ultra’s – why do you think this is?

Where do you see ultrasignup in the coming years?