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A champion crowned, then stripped. A director ousted. A brand reorganized. We trace the real timeline behind the Ultraman Florida shake-up—starting with a handlebar-mounted, voice-activated camera and ending with revoked licenses, refund confusion, and a newly relaunched qualifier under different leadership. As hosts who’ve watched this community grow, we unpack the roles of Ohana Loa, Sheryl and Dave Cobb, and former race director Jen McVeay, and explain how board decisions moved from private meetings to public fallout.

You’ll hear how conflicting accounts took shape: was Stephen Keller offered a path to a time penalty through accountability, or faced an ultimatum tied to removing a video and apologizing? We lay out the verified statements, the disputed claims, and the rule at the center of it all—filming during competition—so you can assess what fairness and precedent should look like at the ultra-distance level. Then we zoom out to the operational consequences: licenses revoked, negotiations over race assets that reportedly stalled, and athletes stuck between emails and Facebook posts while trying to recover entry fees, deposits, and travel costs.

Looking ahead, we map the new race landscape: Ultraman Florida accepting applications under current board control, Arizona canceled for 2026 pending review, Canada continuing with small recent fields, and a first-year Mexico event led by a seasoned organizer, Van Sanchez. We also share what Jen is building next—a new ultra format that’s been years in the making—and what that might mean for athletes choosing between legacy branding and organizer trust. Our aim is clarity: who owns what, what’s canceled or confirmed, and how to navigate the next few months without losing your season. If this helped you get your bearings, subscribe, share with your crew, and drop a review with your take on the penalty, the process, and the path forward.

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

The countdown to Ultraman Mexico is on—and the mountains are calling. We sit down with race director and former teenage Ultraman finisher, Van Sanchez, to map out exactly what athletes and crews will face across three days at altitude in Zacatecas. From a 10-loop open-water swim to a punchy run that climbs late and drops into a party finish.  

The field is stacked and global: Mexico, the United States, Spain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Argentina. You’ll hear about iconic veterans like Juan Antonio Craveri on his quest to complete every Ultraman-branded event, and the eldest entrant, Ramiro de Jesús Gutiérrez Piedra, chasing five Ultraman races in a single year. We address safety concerns head-on with clear context, highlight the deep local support and government coordination.  

Follow along October 17–19 on Instagram for live updates, results, and behind-the-scenes moments. Enjoy the preview, share it with your crew, and hit follow to stay tuned for race-week coverage and post-race debriefs.

Instagram: @ultramanmexico

Van has appeared four other times on the podcast.  You can find those episodes free in our podcast library.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ultraman Wales
• UltraMX515 
• Brooks Running
• BYD  
• Fresnillo Mining
• Vazlo Auto Parts
• City of Zacatectas
• Windstone Constructions
• Goodr Sunglasses
• Ciele Athletics
• Escualo
• Wayfar
• UM Arizona
• UM World Championships
• Pan American Race
• Festival Internacional de Teatro 

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Sheryl and Dave Cobb (S2E6)
• Jen McVeay (S2E8)
• Steven Keller (S6E13)
• Jane Bockus  (S1E4)
• ATHLETE LIST : Lucas Cruz, María Yanga Alvarez Solis, Hector Ayuso, Johusua Duran, Pablo Enrique Solís Mayorga, Diana Carolina Pereira Vieira, Karlo Mendoza Arancibia, Roberto Dávila Otozco, Luis Antonio González Padilla, Tania Margarita Briseño Valdivia, Hector Martínez Bogard, Rafa Jaime, Juan A. Craveri (S1E5), Erik Noe Duran Luna, Edson Nevárez, Isaias Mireles Vazquez, Adolfo López Mercado, Samuel Maturano Ortiz, Alejandro Rivas, Miguel Madrid Lopez, Mateo Alba, Maria Margarita Tascón González, Felipe Montiel Flores, Toni Marin Ramos, Adrián Comparan Cueva, Ramiro De Jesus Gutierrez Piedra, Jorge Adrian Perera Ramos
• David Gilmour
• Steve King (S1E1)
• Will Rogers (S5E8)
• Shane Duffy (S4E5)

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

News of the UM brand's expansion into New Zealand broke earlier this year during the UM Australia Livestream event, hosted by 515. Remarkably, the new event sold out immediately—even before athletes knew any details about the course. To share how Wanaka was chosen as the host site and fill in the details, I'm joined by Race Director Jeff Morris.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UM Australia
• UM New Zealand
• IM Taupo
• Challenge Wanaka
• Cardrona Hotel
• Ruby Fresh Wetsuits
• Ruby Island Swim
• Norsemen X Tri

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Jen McVeay (S2E8)
• Ian Blatchford
• Gillian Winterford
• André Kajlich
• Shane Duffy (S4E5)
• Eddie Spearing
• Tim Franklin
• Simon Cochrane (S4E8)
• Carl Read
• Tiffany Dahl
• Jane Sharman
• Colleen Nisbet
• Steve York
• Tony Horton
• Craig Percival
• Wayne Metcalf

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

The decision to change often comes at our lowest moments. For Acyr Da Luz, it wasn't a missed promotion that defined him—it was his response to it. "I'm going to change myself," he declared, setting in motion a transformation from 120kg corporate executive to four-time Ultraman competitor.

What distinguishes Acyr's story is how he integrated family into his endurance journey. His young daughter biked alongside his early training runs and eventually his entire family became his support crew. This approach transformed triathlon from an individual pursuit into a family adventure, creating bonds that strengthened rather than weakened through his athletic endeavors.

The podcast offers invaluable insights for aspiring endurance athletes, including advice Acyr received from 2017 Ultraman World Champion Rob Gray.  Acyr candidly shares his failures—from multiple flat tires in Canada to a harrowing open-ocean swim in Hawaii that left him severely dehydrated—and how each setback provided crucial lessons for future success.

If you've been inspired by Acyr's story, check out his book "Running to Myself: A Journey of Endurance" available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle formats.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Escape from Alcatraz
• Running to Myself :  A Journey of Endurance
• Ultraman Canada
• Badwater 135
• Ironman World Championships
• Ironman Cozumel
• Ultraman Florida
• Ultraman World Championships

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Daniel (Dani) Mathias
• Sophia Da Luz
• Gabriel Da Luz
• Fernanda Keller 
• Jai Da Luz
• Tatiana (Tata) Da Luz
• Yonathan (Yon) Stephanos
• Mark Naphin
• Lucy Ryan (S2E5)
• Jordan Bryden (S1E7)
• Rob Gray (S4E13)
• Slava Makalskaya
• Sheryl Cobb (S3E11)

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

Get ready to be inspired! On today's show, we're diving deep with Shane Kent, the 2021 UM Australia champion, who's about to take on a challenge often called 'The toughest triathlon in the world': Arch to Arc. You'll hear how Shane's triathlon career began with a bike found on the side of the road and propelled him through the 515 distance, all leading up to this monumental endeavor. 

We break down Arch to Arc's incredible stages: an 87-mile / 140 km run from London to Dover, a 21-mile / 34 km swim across the English Channel, and a 181-mile / 291 km bike from Calais to Paris. Shane also gives us an exclusive look into his intense training and tells us exactly how we can track his progress when his official challenge window kicks off between August 15th and August 24th, 2025.

Follow the Arch to Arc live tracker : https://enduroman.com/live-tracking

Shane’s Instagram : @shane_rockss

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UM Australia
• Arch to Arc
• IM Melbourne
• Sufferfest
• Canadaman 
• Kiwiman
• Celtman
• Norseman
• IM Taupo
• Aid Station

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Tim Franklin (S7E4)
• Shane Murphy
• Chris Manteit 
• Angela Manteit 
• Daniel Thompson
• Cath Spencer
• Neill Williamson 
• Jen Williamson 
• Luke Keddie 
• Doug Kent 
• Tris Lahey
• Michael Durrington
• Steven Walker
• Claire Smith
• Melissa Kent
• Paul Robinson

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Mary and Randy Latza! Hailing from Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, this power couple has an astonishing 32 Ultraman events under their belts either racing or crewing. 

They'll share invaluable lessons and heartwarming stories of the friendships they've built as part of "Rat Pack 2.0." But their racing doesn't stop there—Mary and Randy are also gearing up for the Ironman World Championships in Nice and Kona. 

Plus, Mary sheds light on Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare condition impacting her family, and how she's used events to raise awareness and funds. You can find more information and donation links at this website.  

515 is Now on YouTube.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• DeSales University 
• IM Ottawa
• IM Lake Placid
• IM St. George 
• Ultraman Florida
• IM New York City
• IM Mont-Tremblant
• IM Louisville
• IM Switzerland
• IM Waco
• Stiff Person Syndrome
• Ultraman World Championships
• IM Nice
• IM Wisconsin
• FulGaz 
• Spartan
• Death Race
• Winter Death

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Julie Moss
• Eric Suro
• Simon Shurey
• Sheryl Cobb (S2E6)
• Mark Jones
• Tom Regal
• Billy Rickards (S7E1)
• Joan Kim
• Dede Greisbauer (S3E13) 
• Leanda Cave  (S1E8)
• Billy Edwards
• Chris McCormack 
• Cynthia Bartus 
• Ryan Toner
• Jeremy Howard (S2E8)
• Chuck Kemeny
• Steven Keller (S2E10)
• Jamie Harris  (S2E11)
• Jen Annett (S6E9)
• Armando Armelli  (S4E9)

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Domandl, whose triathlon career spans over 40 years and includes more than 150 events, along with four World Championships. In 1988, John proudly represented Australia at the Seoul Paralympics. 

We caught up with him right after his second time competing at Ultraman Australia 2025, where he experienced quite the adventure in Noosa! Hear all about the ups and downs of those three days for John and his dedicated team. 

John, who lives with retinitis pigmentosa, is also an ambassador for Cure Blindness Australia. You can learn more about their important work on their website.

Find the Live Stream links for 2025 UM Australia on YouTube.  

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UM Australia
• 1988 Seoul Paralympics 
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Foster Ironman
• Calfee designs 
• Stages cycles
• World Para Triathlon London
• World  Mulitsport Long Course Championships
• Challenge Roth 
• Ultra 355 Australia
• IM Hobart 70.3
• Bellview Parkrun
• IM Western Australia
• New York Marathon
• Cure Blindness Australia

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Kim Jenkins
• Dee Fuller  (S4E12)
• Alister Trendell
• Paul McGlynn
• Steve King (S1E1)
• Leone McGlynn
• Dan Merange
• Jason Clarke
• Ben Gaffey
• Andrew Trout
• Dan Casey
• Duncan Adams
• Paul  McGlyn
• Jay Gaffey
• Craig Percival
• Ailie Payne
• Simon Cochrane (S4E8)
• Shane Duffy (S4E5)
• Kirsty Sheehan (S7E5)
• Kellie Ridges
• Peter Lee
• Michael Wakeman
• Rebecca Goodwin
• Tiff Dahl
• Erica Riley
• Tamara  Lee
• Peter Wheatley
• Catherine Wheatley      
• Jeff Morris (S7E4)
• Beñat Oliveira (S7E6)
• Tim Belstead (S7E5)
• Reece Byrne
• Ben Yates  
• Gail Laux
• Michael Laux
• Sam Cooke
• Nicola Mattheus 
• Hanno Mattheus

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

The 2025 UM Australia created a star in the man who was behind the camera for the Live stream.  Beñat Oliveira is a former competitor from 2023 who returned to help out the Dream Team make more dreams come true.  

He joins me to talk about that experience and why he has returned to the Basque region from Sydney. Spoiler: Triathlon.  His current job has him advising the New South Wales Department of Health in Artificial Intelligence, so we also delve into that.  

You can find the full, unedited, conversation with Beñat on YouTube.  

515 is Now on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/@515TheUltraPodcast

Also find the LiveStream links for 2025 UM Australia.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UM Australia
• IM Vitoria-Gasteiz 
• Benat Youtube video about UM Australia 2023
• Euskara 
• Sydney Basque Club
• Txokos (basque kitchen)
• UM New Zealand
• UM Australia Day 2 final hours 

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Steve King (S1E3)
• Jeff Morris (S4E8)
• Gerard Estivil 
• Fernando Durango
• Mario Vincent
• Gotzon 
• Iñigo Muñoa
• John Domandl
• Dee Fuller  (S4E12)
• Kirsty Sheehan (S7E5)

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

UM Australia 2025 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event this year.  We were a part of it by creating a Live Stream of all 36 hours.  In this episode we speak to the champions of 2025, Tim Belstead and Kirsty Sheehan to hear about how the race unfolded for each of them.

In the final segment, Jeff Morris, the UM race director shares his experiences from this year and a little information about a new race UM New Zealand.

Check out the Alex Gadomski Foundation here.

UM Australia 2026 applications.  

Link to the 2025 UM Australia 515 Youtube playlist. for the full library of the live streams.

515 is Now on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/@515TheUltraPodcast

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 70.3 Taupo World Championships 
• Hervey Bay 100
• Hervey Bay Tri Club
• Gold Coast Marathon
• Sydney Marathon
• Cairns Ironman
• Alex Gadomski Foundation
• MultiSport World Championships
• Melbourne 70.3 
• Ironman Busselton

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

• Jeff Morris (S4E8)
• Tim Franklin
• David ‘Rooster’ Sheehan
• Louise O’Regan
• Steve King (S1E1)
• Lisa Gatt
• Craig Churchward
• Seano Clancy
• Boris Bakouline
• Greg Jenkyns
• Craig Jackson
• Josh McAskil 
• Kate Bevilaqua (S5E10)
• Simon Cochrane (S4E8)
• Guy Walters
• Zsolt Dallos
• Michelle Barnes 
• Sarah Goodyear
• Tony Goodyear
• Jordan Gadomski
• Linda Belstead
• James Belstead  
• Jason Clarke
• Jordan Gadowski
• Tony Horton
• John Domandl
• Dan Merange 
• Kim Jenkins
• Erica Riley
• Steve York 
• Tiff Dahl
• Rajpal Choudhary
• Anthony Vloedmans
• Ben Yates

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]

Send us a text

UM Australia race director, Jeff Morris, joins me to present the field 41 athletes who are toeing the line of the 10th anniversary race.  Trying to highlight this many athletes is tough work, so we also recruited the knowledge of the race announcer, Tim Franklin.  
In addition to finding out about the athletes, we discuss parts of the course and what the first ever Live Stream event will entail.  Use the link below to set up notifications.

LiveStreams links:  https://www.youtube.com/@515TheUltraPodcast

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Kabi Kabi (Gubi Gubi) Indigenous peoples
• Tri Mob
• Alex Gadomski Fellowship
• Rottnest Island Swim
• Arc 2 Arch
• Lark Hill 100 Km
• Tim Runs the World
• UTMB 100 mile
• Ultra 355 Australia
• Caloundra Triathlon Club
• UM Israel 
• Cairns Crocs

Shout outs and mentions in this episode:

THE ATHLETES :Praveen Aggarwal, Sadanand Amarapur, Boris Bakouline, Tim Belstead, Ian Blatchford, Adam Bothwell, Reece Byrne, Nicholas Chapman, Rajpal Choudhary, Leanne Coghill, Aaron Croft, Richard Does, John Domandl, Shane Duffy, Josh Dutton, Anthony Elder, Trevor Garvey, Paul Giddings, Richard Gilby, Craig Jackson, Christiaan Jacobie, Greg Jenkyns, Darrell Kerkow, Stewart King, Kathy La Fauce, Vishesh Madan, NicoláMattheus, Joshua  McAskil, Ryan McKenzie, Adam Mort, Maheshkumar Prajapati, VishnuPrasad, Kellie Ridges, Kirsty Sheehan, Marcus Smith, Ryan Wasley, Andrew Wheatley, Matthew Wheatley, Oliver Whiteley, Ben Yates, Steve York

• Steve King (S1E1)
• Hayden Lyons
• Peter Hudson
• Hanno Mattheus 
• Lisa Gatt 
• Craig Churchward
• Mel Hauschildt
• Jessica Munday
• Nick Mallett
• Tony Hrton
• Craig Percival
• Dave Carroll
• Sharri Pyc
• Jason Clarke
• Damon Faint
• Zsolt Dallos
• James Belstead  
• Mark Wiliams
• Simon Cochrane
• Jessica Dudley
• Shane Kent
• Anthony & Stacy Vloedmans
• Ann Evans
• Peter Wheatley
• Catherine Wheatley
• Jay Gaffey
• Sam Cooke
• Alana Sharman
• Ava Wheatley
• Steven Naylor 
• Keith Maricich
• Gail Laux
• Kim Jenkins
• Stephen Foster

Support the show

Show Contributors:
Host : Larry Ryan
Contributing Raconteur : Steve King
Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne
Production : 5Five Enterprises
Music : Run by 331

For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast
Insta : @515theultrapodcast
Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast
Email : [email protected]