Divine Madness

Let's Talk About Sects

Divine Madness Running Club boasted some spectacular results in ultramarathons and became known for their excellent support teams and low-impact style of running. But the Boulder, Colorado based group was also notorious for their strange ways, whereby members were expected to follow the directions of their teacher in all aspects of their lives.

UPDATE: Deru Youmans had a more recent experience with Marc Tizer (Yo), through a listing for 'The Retreat' they came across on the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) website. They shared their experience here, and unfortunately, it seems like things haven't changed a great deal.

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Links:

• A Leader's Long, Strange Trip — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 28 July 1997
• The Long, Strange Trip of a Running Guru — by Bruce Schoenfeld, Sports Illustrated, 4 August 2003
• A Divine Madness? — by Andrew Murr, Newsweek, 17 August 1997
• Community or Cult? — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 5 October 1997
• My spiritual odyssey: A work in progress — blog by Alexander Cassady, undated
• Run Ragged — by Clay Evans, Daily Camera, 7 March 2004
• 42 Miles to Enlightenment — by Daniel Glick, Women Outside, Fall 1999
• Running Like Hell — by Michael Finkel, Women's Sports and Fitness, Nov/Dec 1999
• ULTRARUNNING; Runner's Death Places Sport Under Scrutiny — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 7 March 2004
• A Spiritual Community in Reserve Is Also An Ultramarathon Powerhouse — by Leslie Linthicum, Albuquerque Journal, 21 May 2006

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