Keeping Integrity in Your Race: Michel and Catherine Poletti on UTMB’s Global Impact

Building the World’s Most Iconic Trail Race

When Michel and Catherine Poletti founded the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in 2003, they had no idea it would grow into the world’s most recognized trail running series. What began as a community-driven race through the Alps has become a global event that defines the ultrarunning calendar.

For the Polettis, though, the heart of UTMB has never been about size or status—it’s about the runners.

They wanted to share their love for the mountains with the trail running community. They say that’s how everything started.

Early Challenges and Community Spirit

The first years weren’t easy. The Polettis had to convince runners to attempt something that felt nearly impossible: 170 kilometers around Mont Blanc, with 10,000 meters of elevation gain.

Michel remembers the skepticism clearly. People said it was too difficult, that no one would come. But the Polettis believed in the spirit of adventure.

That spirit resonated. Runners not only came, they came back year after year. What could have been a one-off mountain challenge turned into a pilgrimage for trail runners worldwide.

The Trail Running Boom

Over the past two decades, trail running has exploded in popularity. UTMB’s role in that growth can’t be overstated.

Catherine explained that trail running used to be a small sport, but now it has become a movement. For her, it’s about connecting with nature, testing yourself, and being part of a community.

UTMB has become the sport’s unofficial world championship, drawing elites and everyday runners alike. Yet the Polettis insist the magic comes not just from competition, but from the shared experience.

Michel realized it’s about the collective emotion. When you see thousands of people supporting each other in the mountains, you understand why this race is so special.

Staying True While Expanding

With expansion came hard questions: how do you grow without losing what made the race special?

The Polettis’ answer has always come back to integrity. Catherine has emphasized that growth for its own sake isn’t the goal. Instead, they want to preserve respect for the mountains and keep runners at the center of every decision.

Partnership and Global Reach

The UTMB World Series now spans races across multiple continents, creating pathways for athletes to qualify for Chamonix. While that growth included a partnership with Ironman, the Polettis stress that UTMB remains true to its roots.

Michel noted their responsibility to ensure every race reflects the spirit of UTMB. It must serve the runners, not the other way around.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The story of how UTMB began and grew into a global race

• Challenges of organizing an ultramarathon in the high Alps

• The role of community and collective energy in trail running

• How UTMB has balanced expansion with athlete-centered values

• Why the Polettis believe the future of running is about connection as much as competition

Give this one a listen this weekend 👇

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Troy Meadows on Midpack Running, Company Culture, and Brand Clarity

Finding Your Why (and Making It a Growth Strategy)

For Troy, finding your “why” isn’t a fluffy concept—it’s essential to long-term success. Whether you’re training for a 100-miler or scaling a business, clarity around your purpose helps you endure the tough moments and make smart decisions. Troy works with companies to define not just what they do, but why they do it, and then builds culture and communication around that foundation.

This focus on values-first decision-making stems from his own entrepreneurial journey. As a co-founder of a cannabis company in California, Troy saw firsthand how a lack of cultural clarity can hinder growth. Once his team articulated their mission and values, everything clicked, from marketing to product development to customer retention.

Ultrarunning as a Framework for Business

Troy started ultrarunning in his 30s after a challenging stretch in his personal life, including the loss of his mom. What began as a coping mechanism quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the past eight years, he’s trained for (and run) some of the most grueling endurance races in the U.S., including Grindstone and Hellbender.

What kept him coming back? The same thing that keeps him grounded in business: consistency over time.

He applies endurance principles to his consulting work:

• Show up regularly.

• Do the unglamorous work.

• Build systems that support long-term outcomes.

It’s not about flashy starts or viral moments. It’s about building resilience and staying aligned with your values, even when things get messy.

Building the Midpacker Podcast

Tired of only hearing from elites, Troy launched The Midpacker Podcast to spotlight the 99%: everyday athletes with incredible stories. Through FreeTrail connections and consistent output (90+ episodes and counting), he’s built a loyal audience and a clear niche.

Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, Troy leaned into serving people like himself: runners who are deeply committed to the sport but aren't chasing podiums. That clarity helped him pitch potential sponsors (and land them).

He emphasizes the value of persistence: sending follow-ups, refining pitch materials, and staying patient as relationships develop. After a warm intro to John G, he signed his first sponsor. The domino effect followed, with Hyperlite, Bare Butt Wipes, and others coming on board.

Top Lessons for Founders and Creators

Troy shared a wealth of takeaways for anyone navigating the overlap of endurance sport and entrepreneurship:

1. Don’t skip the values work.

Without a clearly defined mission and values, companies drift. These guideposts shape everything from hiring to marketing to product strategy—and they help teams stay aligned as they grow.

2. Midpack stories matter.

In both running and business, it’s easy to only highlight top performers. But most of us are in the middle, doing the work. Celebrating those voices builds stronger communities and makes space for more meaningful conversations.

3. Partnerships start with trust.

When pitching sponsors, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about resonance. Do you share values? Are you engaging with your audience in a way that feels authentic? If yes, then you have something to offer—even without a massive reach.

4. Your niche is your superpower.

Trying to be for everyone dilutes your message. Whether you're a creator, founder, or athlete, specificity builds connection and credibility. Own your corner of the world—and watch it grow.

Closing the Loop on Impact

A key theme in this conversation was the importance of feedback loops—especially in brand partnerships. Troy wants his sponsors to succeed, and that means tracking what’s working. Are listeners using his code? What products are resonating? Where should he lean in?

But it’s a two-way street: he also wants sponsors to be proactive, offering performance data and aligning on goals. That’s how long-term partnerships are built—and it mirrors the give-and-take required in any lasting business or training relationship.

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About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.