“Be accountable for doing the right things. This means ethical execution of the activities that will actually support the goals you have chosen for yourself.” – Sam Silverstein
What It Really Means to Run with Us
The Human Potential Running Series isn’t just a place to log miles, and it isn’t just a race company. It’s a proving ground for something deeper. We’re a community rooted in grit, growth, and shared humanity. We don’t hand you everything. We don’t remove all the obstacles. We believe there’s value in figuring things out; in getting lost and finding your way back. Out here, personal accountability isn’t a buzzword; it’s the foundation of the entire experience.
We don’t believe in bubble-wrapped races. We believe in earned confidence. In the messy, empowering, imperfect process of navigating real terrain, externally and internally. That’s why our events aren’t polished, scripted performances. They’re raw. Honest. And deeply human. When you step up to one of our starting lines, you’re not just entering a race; you’re stepping into an agreement. You’re choosing to test yourself, to be uncomfortable, to get curious about your limits. And with that choice comes responsibility.
None of it works without you.
Your presence, preparation, and decisions matter. Every runner is part of the safety net. Every runner contributes to the culture. The choices you make affect not only your own outcome but the experience of everyone around you.
This Is Not a Ride, It’s a Journey
In a world of over-marketed, over-managed events, we intentionally hold the line on what we provide. Why? Because we believe trail and ultrarunning should be a lived experience. Not a curated product. That means:
We don’t promise perfection.
We don’t coddle.
We don’t remove the chance of failure.
What we do offer is real terrain, real community, and real consequences. Our job is to manage the big-picture risks – yours is to show up ready to meet the trail as it is.
STEP 1: Know Who You’re Running With
Before signing up for any race, take time to understand the mission, vision, and ethos of the organizing body. Please take a moment to thoroughly understand who we are and what we stand for. We’re not here to impress you with swag or perfect aid stations. We’re here to invite you into something real. That said, HPRS is:
community-driven and radically inclusive
unapologetically low-frills and high-trust
focused on personal growth, not competition
doesn’t have podiums or age group awards; instead, we celebrate every runner equally.
If you’re seeking a competitive, performance-based environment, HPRS might not align with your expectations.
If you’re seeking a polished, competitive, high-gloss event with all the amenities, you won’t find that here.
We’re not trying to be for everyone. We’re here for the people who want to run with intention, take ownership of their choices, and be part of something real. So, if you’re looking to strip away pretense, reconnect with nature, and find out what’s possible inside yourself, this is your kind of tribe.
Start here:
STEP 2: Understand Your Role in the System
We take risk management seriously. Behind the scenes, we work tirelessly to ensure permits, medical protocols, logistics, and contingencies are in place. But no race director, medic, or volunteer can be everywhere.
When you toe the line at one of our races, you’re not just a participant; you’re a partner in risk management. We handle big-picture logistics: permits, medical protocols, aid stations, and emergency response plans. But we cannot, and do not, promise to keep you safe. That’s your job. You are the frontline.
We expect every runner to:
Read the race info thoroughly
Know what gear is required, and bring it
Ask questions before race day
Adapt as conditions change
Speak up when something’s wrong
You are responsible for:
Knowing your limits
Listening to your body
Being situationally aware
Helping others when needed
Asking for help before it’s too late
This isn’t about fear. It’s about ownership. When you take full responsibility for your own experience, you gain genuine confidence, and you help create a safer and stronger community for everyone. This is a partnership. When we each hold up our end, something powerful happens: trust not just in us, but in yourself.
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STEP 3: Navigate the Course Like It’s Up to You, Because It Is
We do our best to mark courses clearly, but you are still your own primary safety net.
Our races take place in remote, mountainous terrain. We also know how quickly the backcountry can humble even the best-laid plans. Weather shifts fast. Trails fade. Markings get pulled, moved, eaten, and torn. Cell service vanishes. That’s why we provide multiple navigation tools for every event.
You are responsible for:
Knowing your route before race day
Carrying your own maps, GPX files, or route notes
Staying alert, looking up, and adapting on the fly
Asking for help if you get turned around
- Make sound decisions when conditions change
These are not “bonus skills.” They’re the foundation of being “out there.”
We recommend using:
Printed PDF course maps
Uploaded GPX files on your watch, phone, or other device
Trail navigation apps like CalTopo, COTrex, or GAIA GPS
Google Maps where applicable (not reliable on remote sections)
If you’ve never used these tools, now’s the time to learn. Ask questions. Practice ahead of time. Bring backup. Navigation is not an “extra,” it’s a core part of being prepared for mountain travel. Trail and ultrarunning demand a level of self-sufficiency; if you’re not prepared for this, it might not be the right fit for you.
Step 4: Accept the Risks, and the Rewards
Trail and ultrarunning are inherently risky. That’s part of why we’re drawn to them. Out here, you’re not just a number; you’re a human being, in motion, surrounded by nature and possibility.
We will never guarantee your safety. What we will guarantee is this:
You will be respected, no matter your pace or background
You will be challenged, sometimes in unexpected ways
You will have the chance to grow, not just finish
And if you show up with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to be accountable, not just for your race, but for your impact on others, you’ll find more than a finish line. You’ll find community. And maybe even a piece of yourself you’ve been missing.
IN SUMMARY
Our primary role as race organizers is to manage risks associated with our events. However, we can’t guarantee your safety. A significant portion of risk management is your responsibility. By participating in HPRS events, you acknowledge and accept this shared responsibility.
At HPRS, personal accountability isn’t a checkbox. It’s a commitment to yourself, to the people around you, and to the land we travel across together.
So read the details. Bring the right gear. Know the route. Stay sharp. Look out for others. Ask for help when you need it. Help when you can.
Because when we each take full responsibility for our journey, we create something bigger than a race.
We build a movement; one step, one story, one hard-earned mile at a time.