About this episode
Send us a text The sport keeps growing, the livestreams keep improving, and the fields get deeper every year—so why do so many iconic ultras still offer zero prize money? We sit down with Eric, the builder behind Run Fund, to unpack a direct, no-drama solution: let the community and sponsors crowdfund purses that pay athletes fairly and transparently. No betting, no gimmicks, just clean rails that move money from fans and brands to finishers. We dig into how Run Fund works behind the scenes—escrowed funds, Stripe payouts in seven to ten days, and simple tax handling—plus the decision to split purses 50-50 for men and women by default. Eric explains why the platform leans on existing adjudication for races and FKTs, how it handles athletes serving sanctions, and what happens when a drug test lands months after the podium photos. We also explore the “nonprofit” defense from legacy races, the quiet dependence on brand bonuses, and what it means for an unsponsored winner to take home nothing while a contract athlete cashes a check for the same result. The conversation stretches from six-figure short trail purses to the potential of FKT bounties on iconic routes like the AT, where attempts demand serious logistics and community support. We talk partnerships with organizers who want the visibility of prize money without building new infrastructure, and why grassroots races can benefit just as much as marquee events—because $500 to a regional winner can pull a whole club onto a start line next year. Eric shares early targets like HURT and Black Canyon, thoughts on future international expansion, and a fan-first vision that boosts engagement without crossing into gambling. If you care about fair pay, athlete pathways, and a healthier event ecosystem, this one’s for you. Hit play, then tell us: which race should get a crowdfunded purse next? Subscribe, share with a friend who races, and drop a review to keep the conversation moving. Check out the Run.Fund - Run.Fund Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !