The recent two-year suspension of Kenyan trail runner Joyline Chepngeno has ignited serious conversations about the impact of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the realms of trail running and ultrarunning. As the sport grows in visibility and competitiveness, it’s becoming increasingly evident that even this beloved endeavor is not immune to the influence of doping. This revelation evokes a myriad of feelings—anger, disappointment, frustration, and most profoundly, sadness. The sport I embraced over three decades ago has devolved into one where the use of PEDs exists.
Having experienced sports during the prominent scandals of Lance Armstrong in cycling and Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa in baseball, I initially believed that such issues were confined to other arenas. However, in recent years, as trail running and ultrarunning have surged in popularity, the prevalence of doping has regrettably increased. It serves as a harsh reminder that we, too, are susceptible to the pressures that fuel performance enhancements.
The incredible expansion of trail and ultrarunning has come with some growing pains, including PED use. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Not too long ago, I held onto an optimistic hope that trail and ultrarunning would remain untouched by these dilemmas. I envisioned a scenario where intelligent race organizers, knowledgeable coaches, and progressive brands could unite to maintain the sport’s integrity in the face of rising competition and performance pressure. Unfortunately, this idealistic view has been challenged by various doping violations in recent times, leaving me with a lingering sense of sadness.
It’s important to highlight that my nostalgia for the “good old days” where sponsorships came in the form of a few pairs of shoes and race entries, is not simply reminiscence. It signifies a profound change in the ethos of the sport. While many participants still engage in trail running fueled by a sense of community and a love for nature, the shadows cast by doping scandals tarnish the spirit of our shared passion.
A runner in the high country during the first afternoon of Hardrock 2023. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Although the influx of financial resources into the sport is, in many respects, a positive development—enabling athletes, media figures, coaches, and organizers to earn a living doing what they love—it also comes with its own set of consequences. The sustainability of the sport’s integrity raises pertinent questions about how far we are willing to go in exchange for success and recognition.
Two years ago, I penned an article contemplating trail running as a “soul sport.” Comparisons highlighted the essence of various activities like bouldering, surfing, and fishing, emphasizing their inherent enjoyment that transcends mere competition. A soul sport should engage individuals in the sheer joy of participation, fostering a sense of community and wellness.
AJW and pacer Bryon Powell, deep into the adventure at the 2025 Cocodona 250 Mile. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Today, in response to the increasingly troubling landscape of the sport, I’ve chosen to embrace trail running as a soul sport. The priority is participation over competition, and I urge fellow athletes to find joy in the simplicity of running amidst nature. It is not just about accolades or records; it is about the experience, the journey, and our connection to the outdoors.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week, I’d like to spotlight a local gem from Montana Brewing Company located in Billings, Montana. Their Fatbelly Amber is an exquisite amber ale boasting a harmonious blend of caramel flavors complemented by a balanced hint of hops. It’s an excellent choice to welcome the fall season while celebrating the essence of our trails and the community spirit that thrives within it.
