EP 726: Ultrarunning's Past Was Wilder Than You Think

To really understand who we are as a running community—What drives us, what connects us, and why we keep pushing our limits, we have to look back. Long before ultras, Strava segments, or finish-line belt buckles, there was pedestrianism—a 19th-century spectacle where athletes raced for six days straight inside smoky arenas, cheered on by thousands.

Our resident ultrarunning historian, Davy Crockett, is back to introduce us to one of the most unforgettable figures from that era. Peter Napoleon Campana—better known as Old Sport. Davy just published another book, Old Sport Campana: Ultrarunning;s Most Popular and Amusing 19th Century Runner in his historical series that brings Campana's story to life and helps us explore what it reveals about the roots of our sport—and why looking back just might help us better understand who we are today.

Links to check out:

• Grand Canyon History
• Ultrarunning History Podcast
• American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Wonderful Pistachios
• Oikos Triple Zero
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

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