Inside the Ultra Running World: Paul Stofko on Racing, Mental Toughness & Community

Ever wondered what it takes to run 100 miles, direct races, and build an inclusive running community? In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line with Joe Hardin, we dive deep into the world of ultra running with Paul Stofko-an accomplished ultra runner, race director, and community builder.
Paul has been part of the ultra running scene since he was 15 and has completed some of the sport’s most grueling challenges, including Western States and logging over 1,300 miles at Potawatomi Trails. But his journey isn’t just about running-it's about resilience, creating unforgettable race experiences, and giving back to the trail running community.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🏃‍♂️ How Paul got started in ultra running and completed his first 100-mile race
🎽 The evolution of running technology and aid station setups over the years
🎤 His experiences as a race director, including founding the Crazy Legs racing series
📜 The challenges of organizing races, from permits to park department relationships
🎭 How Paul creates fun, unique race experiences-like the ‘turkey toss’ and themed events
💪 The importance of mental toughness and overcoming obstacles in ultra races
😵‍💫 Paul’s only DNF (Did Not Finish) experience and the lessons he learned from it
From humorous race stories to hard-earned wisdom on endurance and mental grit, this episode is packed with inspiration for every runner-whether you’re training for your first 50K or just looking to push past your limits. Paul’s passion for the sport is contagious, and his insights will leave you motivated to lace up and hit the trails.
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💬 What’s your biggest challenge in ultra running? Drop a comment below!