Ultra Running Magazine Podcast

In this episode, host Scotty Sandow sits down with two remarkable athletes whose stories push the boundaries of resilience and possibility: Adam Popp and Dave Mackey.

Popp, a retired US Air Force veteran and above-knee amputee, made history as the first above-knee amputee to finish a 100-mile ultramarathon. This June, he’s taking on the iconic Western States 100 with none other than Dave Mackey by his side.

Mackey’s story is legendary. A former Ultrarunner of the Year (UROY), course record holder and longtime elite competitor, Dave lost his leg below the knee after a devastating mountain running accident. His comeback is the stuff of ultrarunning lore—gritty, grounded and deeply inspiring.

In this conversation, they talk about what it takes to train and compete as adaptive athletes, how they’ve redefined success, and the deep connection forged through trail and adversity.

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Thanks to our episode sponsor Drymax