In this special episode of Teddy Talks, we dive deep into the federal prosecution of professional trail runner Michelino Sunseri, who set a speed record on the Grand Teton — only to be charged for using a historic trail long embraced by climbers and runners alike.
This isn’t just a story about a shortcut — it’s a story about access, bureaucracy, and how public lands are increasingly becoming fenced off by red tape and selective enforcement. We explore the historical parallels to past mountaineering feuds, the silence of the outdoor community, and why this case should alarm anyone who values movement in wild spaces. The public is the solution!
📰 Full list of sources and articles referenced in this episode:
https://wyofile.com/grand-teton-trial-reveals-new-details-around-ultra-runners-shortcut-and-feds-decision-to-charge-him/
https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/high-elevation-drama-grand-teton-national-park-20335706.php
https://gearjunkie.com/endurance/michelino-sunseri-switchback-settlement
https://wyofile.com/records-fall-tetons/
https://www.mindstrengthproject.com/about
https://www.give-r.com/pages/ryan-burke
https://apnews.com/article/934a5526570569b625f5d854ec339a04
https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ245/PLAW-114publ245.pdf
https://www.fodors.com/news/news/new-interior-order-limits-local-control-over-national-parks-amid-staffing-crisis
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1874/text
https://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=414710
https://recreationroundtable.org/news/orr-wants-to-cut-the-red-tape-to-getting-outside/
https://news.ultrasignup.com/the-explore-act-is-a-win-for-runners-and-public-lands/