Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, Aug 29

TDS is underway and Dylan Bowman and Rory Bosio are both leading. First-class coverage right here.

Black Diamond freaks out and sends cease and desist letter to Wal-Mart, after the retailer listed their products under their MooseJaw banner. I don’t know…I don’t shop at Wal Mart, but not allowing your items to be sold by the world’s biggest retailer screams of an elitism that’s also a dumb business decision. As a commenter pointed out, why is it OK for the products to be sold on Amazon? Maybe there’s more to the story?

Two vices that are prevalent in this silly sport are alcohol and cannabis. Scientifically speaking, which one is worse for your overall health?

Ian breaks down the UTMB favorites right here. I agree with Ian. Kilian is the favorite and the MUT will be waiting to see if Jim’s got it, but my eyes will be on Tim Tollefson.

I got the new TrailRunner magazine in the mail yesterday and it’s a good issue. However, there’s a section about bucket list races around the US (Western, Mt Marathon, Hardrock, Shut-In Ridge Run, Chuckanut, etc.) that stood out. The article lists each race including a bit of historical context, vibe, as well as identifying the “local hero” of the event. Seven races, and every “hero” was a dude? I’m not looking for perfect parity, but I’m curious if the magazine knew about Allie O and her role as a junior and top female at Mt Marathon. Or Megan’s incredible runs at Western States. Krissy’s RD’ing at Chuckanut? Darcy’s dominance at Hardrock? I’m sure it was just an oversight (especially considering the author is Brian Metzler, a guy who’s been around the sport a long time), but it struck me as pretty tone deaf.

As expected, Karel Sabbe wrecked the AT when he finished yesterday. He now holds both the AT and the PCT FKTs simultaneously.

The Hood to Coast dude got the boot and has been replaced by his daughter.

Recording a new Daily News Roundup podcast this morning. Patrons, stay tuned!

Paul J says:

August 29, 2018 at 7:52 am

This isn’t necessarily about elitism (although it may have to do with image). It’s may be about maintaining control of distribution, pricing, and margins to protect the brand and other retailers.

From a quick check it looks like it’s onlly sold on Amazon by Black Diamond themselves so they have full control on those pricing concerns above.

eric schranz says:

August 29, 2018 at 8:39 am

Controlling margins makes sense, but isn’t that something that would’ve been figured out contractually with Moosejaw?
Totally BD’s right to do business with whoever they want and I’m always curious how all “that stuff” works behind the scenes.

Sid Chen says:

August 29, 2018 at 8:48 am

I suspect that Paul J is right- it’s a distribution/pricing control issue. Similar to shoe brands that ONLY sell through specialty running stores and not through big-box retailers. Brand positioning also comes into play. You don’t expect to see Salomans or Hokas at Walmart. That’s not elitism, that’s brand targeting and positioning.

paulcole says:

August 29, 2018 at 10:56 am

There’s also a lot of 3rd-party sellers selling Black Diamond stuff on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B06WVK7LZS/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

nwgdc says:

August 29, 2018 at 8:14 am

The Bucket List “Ice Age” event is actually TNF EC event. While a nice event…it pales in comparison to the classic Ice Age Trail 50, in my opinion.

Laura P says:

August 29, 2018 at 1:13 pm

I totally agree. I also am frustrated with TNF EC WI claiming Madison, WI as their event location. It is not anywhere near Madison, but much closer to Milwaukee and Dousman. I think they try to use Madison’s appeal for marketing purposes. I also wonder if they paid Trail Runner magazine to list their race. Ice Age 50 should be the WI bucket list race.

1. Mike H says:
  
  August 29, 2018 at 9:33 pm
  
  Agree, I’ve always thought it was weird that TNF race lists itself as Madison when it’s closer to MKE, which is generally where out-of-towners would fly anyway.

18342772 says:

August 29, 2018 at 8:48 am

Camille Herron tweeted that she’s never done back-to-back long runs, and didn’t go further than 20.5 miles in her buildup to Comrades or the 100-mile record. It’s not news per se, but it’s interesting training talk to consider, especially when contrasted with some of the Strava data people tend to freak out over, and combined with Krar’s cycling-heavy Leadville training.

Todd says:

August 29, 2018 at 9:26 am

I’m no mag writer, but seems fitting to have both dude & chick if they’re going to mention “local hero’s”

Brian Metzler says:

August 29, 2018 at 9:58 am

Eric, point well made about my Trail Runner article. it wasn’t the intent to include all males as local heroes, but it did work out that way so that’s entirely on me. Agreed it regretfully comes off as tone deaf, but with no intended malice or discrimination. My apologies. – Brian Metzler

eric schranz says:

August 29, 2018 at 10:34 am

Thanks for the reply Brian. I figured it wasn’t intentional and didn’t mean to imply malice or any other -ism. Great article otherwise, but please stop publicizing Mt Marathon! I’d really like to be able to get in one day!

Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, Aug 29

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