Epic Ultras

04/17/2026

The Chronically Curious Podcast
Hosted by Zach Adams

As Founder of Epic Ultras, I was sincerely honored to jump on my buddy Zach Adams’ new podcast! Zach and I go back about 14 years, I even had the privilege of officiating his wedding ceremony nearly 11 years ago, so getting on early with him as he’s kicking this thing off was pretty damn special. I was only his second guest and we didn’t hold anything back.

Buckle up!

This goes way beyond ultrarunning. We get into some real stuff...mindset, mistakes, laughs, and some rabbit holes that go pretty damn deep.

Warning: There are some F-bombs in here and a bit of foul humor. If that offends you, or you’ve got kids around, this probably isn’t the one to hit play on.

And yeah…of course a few sacred cows might get stabbed. Feathers may get ruffled. Deeply held beliefs and strong opinions are always welcome, as long as you’re open to others, like you’ll hear in this podcast. Civil debate is encouraged, blind hatred and closed-mindedness aren’t.

Enjoy 👊

The Chronically Curious Podcast · Episode

03/29/2026

We are "beyond excited" to have our complete event photo archive (27,000+ photos) now FULLY restored. A MASSIVE shout-out and thank you to Kristi Mayo/Mile 90 Photography!

  THE ARTISTS WHO IMMORTALIZED OUR STORY   If you’ve been part of the Epic Ultras tribe for a while, […]

03/28/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT--PLEASE READ

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past couple of months figuring out exactly what I want Epic Ultras to be moving forward, and at a certain point, it’s better to just lay it out straight instead of letting things sit out there half-finished and confusing.

When I stepped back into this several months ago, my intention was real. I came back thinking I was going to start and build some new races, get things rolling again, and reestablish Epic Ultras the same way I had originally built it years ago…through races.

But as I got deeper into it, something became obvious pretty quickly. The part of me that used to thrive on race directing just isn’t there anymore.

There was a time when I sincerely loved it…the pressure, the logistics, the responsibility of holding everything together. That energy is a big part of why those events became what they were and will always be.

But that shifted a long time ago. What used to energize me started draining me, and coming back into it recently only confirmed that much faster than I expected.

The reason these races didn’t fully move forward isn’t because I don’t know how to do it. I’ve proven to myself over the past few months that I can still build every piece of them. The real reason is actually simpler than that…

I don’t want to do it.

And more importantly, at this stage of my life, I’m not fully committed to it…and I’m not willing to force something like that.

I’m also not willing to keep sacrificing my own time in our sport to build something I’m not “all in” on anymore. I still want to compete. I still want to be out there. That matters to me, deeply.

Also, I’m certainly not interested in putting on “good enough” races or going through the motions just to keep something alive. That’s not how I’ve ever operated, and I’m not going to start now.

So instead of dragging this out or letting it sit in limbo, I’m making a clean call. The races I have previously announced are not going to move forward, including:

Race Across Kansas
Flint Hills Trail Festival
Historic Cowtown Ultra(s)

For those of you who had already registered for any of the above races…thank you. All refunds have been fully issued. And for anyone out there who feels the need to criticize or second-guess my decision, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion.

But please know, I’m completely at peace with this call.

One invaluable insight I learned over more than 30 years of race directing is that you can please all the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but never both. And I’m totally okay with that. After all…what you think of me is none of my business.

Most importantly, if someone out there is serious about wanting to take on any of these events moving forward, I’m wide open to that conversation. I’m willing to transfer all pertinent contacts, web domains, pages and existing assets—completely free of charge—to anyone who is genuinely committed to doing it right.

But this isn’t something I’m going to entertain casually. If you’re serious, reach out. If not, let’s not waste each other’s time.

What hasn’t changed is my connection to our sport. If anything, that’s stronger than it’s been in a long time…just pulling me in a different direction.

The podcast is already in motion. Camps and retreats are staying. Featured runners are coming back. And I may still explore some very small, grassroots, impromptu, fat-ass style events from time to time…things that stay simple and aligned with what actually feels right.

Ultimately, Epic Ultras is evolving into something I’ve been circling for years…a platform built around our beloved sport and what makes ultras and their competitors truly Epic.

For those of you who have been part of Epic Ultras races over the years, whether you ran, staffed, crewed, or supported in any way, I don’t take that lightly. There’s a lot of history there and a ton of deep respect. This just isn’t the next chapter.

Epic Ultras isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s evolving into something that I believe can have a broader impact on our sport moving forward. And I’m really excited about building it in a way that actually aligns with where I am now.

I sincerely appreciate the individuals who have followed along over the years and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

Eric Steele

01/28/2026

Death Valley Running Camp

Some places aren’t meant to be explained...they’re meant to be experienced.

Registration is open for a small, fully immersive Death Valley Running Camp...training on the actual Badwater 135 course.

This isn’t a race.

This isn’t a tour.

It’s time in the actual place, doing the real work.

If Death Valley has ever been on your bucket list...take a look.

Train on the actual Badwater 135 course with a small group. A fully immersive Death Valley running camp led by a Badwater finisher. Limited to 7 spots per camp.

01/08/2026

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT...AND A FIRST FOR KANSAS!

It’s official, permits are approved and we’re finally ready to share another EPIC ULTRArace we’ve been working on.

Introducing the Flint Hills Trail Festival

Labor Day Weekend Sept. 4-7th, 2026.

Four races.

One legendary rails-to-trails system, mostly Flint Hills, with a touch of Prairie Spirit.

A true Kansas ultra-endurance celebration.

🏅 Flint Hills Trail 200
🏅 Flint Hills Trail 100
🏅 Flint Hills Trail 40
🏅 Flint Hills Trail Marathon

This will be the first 200-miler ever held in Kansas, hosted on the Flint Hills Trail with a small section on the Prairie Spirit Trail.

We’re also rolling out a brand-new race division we’ve wanted to create for years...something completely unique to Epic Ultras.

More details coming soon!

We’ll release course info, starting times, and everything else as we button things up and are shooting to have registration opened by the end of next week.

Make sure you’re following the The Flint Hills Trail Festival page so you don’t miss any important information and updates.

https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsTrailFestival/

A multi-day endurance festival on the Flint Hills Trail, KS.
Mostly Flint Hills, with a small section on the Prairie Spirit Trail.
Big Skies & Prairie Grit.
200 Miles • 9/4-9/7 • 84 Hours
100 Miles • 9/5-9/6 • 36 Hours
40 Miles & Marathon • 9/6 • 12 Hours

12/29/2025

Half price. Full value. Don’t sleep on this!

We didn’t do Black Friday.
We didn’t do some cheesy “holiday sale.”

Instead…we're doing something better!

Right now you can snag a $100 Epic Ultras digital code for $50.
Use it on races, camps, retreats, even membership itself. Good through 2026.

No games. No BS. Just pure value for anything EU related in 2026.

👉 Grab yours here:
https://buy.stripe.com/fZubJ1fH0gb70oI5bQcV207

We’re only issuing 100 of these. After that, it’s over!

12/17/2025

KANSAS FIRST 200 MILER

Kansas’ first-ever 200-mile ultramarathon is officially happening!

Labor Day weekend 2026 is locked down.

No location announcement, YET...stay tuned!

No fluff.

Just history happening.

Epic Ultras 2.0 is continuing to make waves...BIG ones!!!

Historic Old Cowtown Ultras (Round #1) registration is already open.

The Race Across Kansas registration opens no later than Christmas.

And now this!

Kansas.

200 miles.

FIRST EVER!!!

Official details and open registration coming soon.

Get on our list now if you want first access before the public release!

12/16/2025

DEATH VALLEY RUNNING CAMP

Multiple camps coming in 2026, invitation list now open!

Small-group, fully immersive training on the actual Badwater race course.

Every mile. Every climb. Every mistake people make…addressed head-on!

This is not an informational camp.

This is the real deal.

Hosted by Eric Steele
• 2000 Badwater 135 finisher
• First & only Kansan to complete Basin-to-Summit (Badwater Basin → Mt. Whitney)
• Paced & crewed Badwater and Salton Sea multiple times
• Real-world heat, pacing, fueling, and crewing strategy under extreme conditions

WHAT THIS IS:
• Max 8 athletes per camp
• Multi-day Death Valley immersion
• Training conducted on the actual Badwater course
• Heat adaptation, pacing, fueling, mindset, ex*****on

This isn’t theory.

This is lived experience!

READ THIS:
This form is an invitation list.
Registration opportunities will first go to individuals on it.
First-come. Limited spots. These will fill fast.

If you’re serious, get on this list.

If you’re not…don’t.

👉 https://deathvalleyrunning.camp/

DEATH VALLEY RUNNING CAMP Multiple camps coming soon, invitation list now open! Small-group, fully immersive Death Valley training on the […]

12/14/2025

COWTOWN 24-HOUR ULTRA ROUND #1
REGISTRATION NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

History-making, all-inclusive 24-Hour ultramarathon, inside an actual living museum, on May 9th & 10th, 2026, with no bu****it pricing.

Money-back guarantee…yeah, really!!!

🎟️ Registration is live

💰 Get on our list & register before midnight for $25 off

🔥 Strictly limited to 125 spots

👉 Register NOW:
https://epicultras.com/cowtown-registration/

👉 Or, join our list for the $25 discount-code
https://epicultras.com/old-cowtown-ultras/

12/09/2025

HAMMER TIME

WARNING: Long Post. (5,791 words to be exact)...continue by clicking the link at the bottom of this post, or not!

Proceed at Your Own Damn Risk.

Are we going to throw rocks?

110% yes …and we’ve got a whole quarry to work with.

Are some people going to be offended?

Definitely…some folks get winded just by watching someone else carry a backbone.

Are others going to be fascinated, energized, and nodding like they just found religion?

You bet your ass!

Will a few people panic-scroll, clutch their pearls, and message their running buddies about “what Eric just posted”?

Guaranteed…popcorn not included, but recommended.

Will a few folks get their feelings hurt?

Yep. Feelings are free. Bandaids are not.

Will others feel seen, validated, and finally understood for the first time in ultra-running history?

Hell yes…welcome home!

Is this post going to rattle cages?

Cages? We’re taking down the whole damn zoo.

Will it expose the weak, the lazy, and the clipboard-wielding hobby bosses who peaked at their local 5K fun run?

Absolutely…sunshine is the best disinfectant.

Will it fire up the gritty, the loyal, the dirtbags, the lifers, the real ultrarunning tribe?

100%…this one’s for them.

Will some folks read this and instantly unfollow because their ego can’t handle a light breeze?

Good. The unfollow button on Facebook exists for a reason. Use it.

Will others bookmark it, quote it, screen-cap it, send it to their group chats, and treat it like scripture?

Fact.

Is this written for the people who “get it”?

Always. They’re the ones the sport was built on.

Is this written for the folks who don’t?

Nope. They can watch from the kiddie table.

Will anything in here be sugarcoated?

Not one molecule.

Will anything be ambiguous, soft, hesitant, or open to interpretation?

Zero chance…clarity is kindness, brutality is optional.

Will anyone walk away from this post unsure of where Epic Ultras stands?

Not if they can read a single sentence.

Are we about to redefine the tone, set the standard, and draw a line in bedrock?

Yes…and once it's carved, it’s not moving.

Because by the time you’re done reading this?

There will be no question…NONE…about who we are, what we’re building, and where this entire sport is about to go next.

LET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT

I’ve said this in a number of posts before, and I’ll say it again right here at the top:

I’m not here to make friends.

I’m here to fulfill my primary mission…the mission many of you already know by heart.

Everything else is secondary.

Everything else is noise.

Gary Vaynerchuk said it best…famously, infamously, whatever label you want to slap on it:

“I can say whatever I want because nobody can fire me.”

And he’s right.

That line hit me the first time I heard it, and it hits me even harder today, because here’s the truth:

I speak freely because I own this.

I built this.

Nobody controls my voice.

Nobody edits my truth before it hits the page.

If you’re here, reading this, scrolling this, following this journey...please understand something:

I’m not reporting to a board.

I’m not answering to a committee.

I’m not pleasing sponsors, donors, gatekeepers, or fragile egos.

I’m not here to tiptoe around anyone’s delicate sensibilities.

This is my platform.

This is my legacy.

This is my brand.

This is my mission in motion.

And if any of this rubs you the wrong way?

Once again, there is an unfollow button on Facebook for a reason.

Use it. Seriously. It’s right there.

No hard feelings.

No drama.

No exit interview.

Just tap it and move on.

Because I’m also going to remind you…politely, but directly:

This is my page.

I can post whatever the hell I want…and I will.

What I’m building is for the runners who get it.

The ones who feel this.

The ones who resonate with the mission, the movement, the momentum, and the standard.

Not for the ones who need everything watered down, smoothed over, and approved by an imaginary HR department.

So now that we’re crystal clear on this?

We can continue.

If you think this was intense, this was the warm-up lap.

The full manifesto is here — uncut, unfiltered, and guaranteed to melt a few circuits:

👉 FULL VERSION: https://epicultras.com/hammer-time/

Don’t say you weren’t warned!

HAMMER TIME Warning: Long Post (5,791 words to be exact). Proceed at Your Own Damn Risk. Are we going to throw rocks? 110% yes…and we’ve got a whole quarry to work with. Are some people going to be offended? Definitely…some folks get winded just by watching someone else carry a backbone. Are o...