The Runna Podcast Zac Clark: From 250lbs in Addiction Recovery to 11 NYC Marathons
12 snips
Nov 28, 2025 Zac Clark, the founder of the Release Recovery Foundation, shares his inspiring transformation from a 250-pound individual struggling with addiction to a dedicated ultramarathoner who has completed 11 NYC Marathons. He discusses how a simple hill in rehab sparked his running journey, emphasizing movement as therapy. Zac highlights the importance of accountability, self-improvement, and how running helped him rebuild his life while raising over $750,000 for mental health treatment through his foundation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Running As Daily Medicine
- Zac calls running one of his most important relationships because it repeatedly gives structure, purpose and joy.
- For him the sport provides daily medicine beyond physical fitness, shaping life and opportunities.
Rookie Freedom Built The Habit
- Zac's early runs were unstructured: no watch, no pace, just 15–30 minutes out-and-back runs.
- That rookie freedom kept running enjoyable and sustained his long-term commitment.
Running Raised Real Funds
- Zac founded the Release Recovery Foundation and fielded 122 runners who raised over $750,000 for treatment.
- Running became a vehicle to fund access to addiction and mental health care nationwide.