Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, June 28

Awesome: Hardrock takes a stand against UTMB charging races to be qualifiers.

Nathan writes a great piece for NYT that covers PED testing at ultramarathon events–specifically Western States.

I’ve heard both sides of this discussion: Do bear bells work?

The goal of Western States is to win a cougar, not see a cougar.

This discussion yesterday prompted some great dialogue that we can hopefully learn from. My takeaways:

“Amateur” photographers are blamed for many of the annoying and irresponsible antics.
Aside from Amy and YiOu, there was little feedback to my “pacing” point–which I still think is very real.
The line–and permitting procedures–between amateur and pro seem really blurry.
Next up for discussion: Overgrown crew size.

Shots like this: Seb Montaz chasing Kilian and Stian down some crazy technical trails are incredible from both a running and videographer perspective.

ultramarathon

How’s that for a double? Win Western States, pose nude for Marie Claire Magazine. Where’s the parity for trail runner representation?

The strength of prayer?

Competitor picks it’s top trail shoes for Summer 2017.

Though this article is focused on multisport, it’s a good reminder that race waivers are not air tight.

38 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, June 28"

Meghan Kennihan says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:08 am

Uh… I had no idea Ryan Sandes was SOOOOO GOOD LOOKING! And he has an accent! WHEW!

Reply
1. Joe Higashi says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 8:46 am
  
  Everywhere he goes, he leaves soaked panties in his wake.
  
  Reply
  1. KS Petty says:
    
    June 28, 2017 at 9:21 am
    
    Before I even saw him I was charmed by his quote on iRunFar’s live-tweeting of WS. Something like, “American ice melts too quickly.”
    
    Reply
Sabine says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:30 am

Good move! And Hardrock, Run Rabbit Run, Speedgoat & co are not allone. In Germany / Austria, there are several races who already made it clear that they won’t pay the “protection money” to the Polettis.Reference

Reply
1. Joe Higashi says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 8:04 am
  
  Need to get everyone to start boycotting UTMB.
  
  Reply
2. Roman says:
  
  June 29, 2017 at 1:01 am
  
  I am from Austria. It is even worse, they refuse to give points if a race has Ultra Trail in the name. Like it was their personal brand. So many races pulled out last summer. Including the biggest ultra in Germany.
  
  Reply
Andrew Stevens says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:33 am

Pretty sure I saw that same cougar’s eyes reflecting off my headlamp about 30 feet above the trail. Also almost got sprayed by a skunk!

Reply
Nick says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:35 am

All those douches with their smartphones… looks like a horror episode from Black Mirror.

Reply
1. Nick says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 7:36 am
  
  also, may not be obvious from the shots but he’s running uphill. I’ve been there, it’s not a gentle slope.
  
  Reply
2. Eric w says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 9:06 am
  
  Ha that’s a great episode, good call-
  
  Reply
Rachel says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:38 am

Regarding bear bells: purely anecdotal, but after having spent a fair amount of time in bear country working and hiking, and after having had a number of interactions/encounters with black and brown bears, I don’t think much of bear bells. In my personal experience, bears are most likely to key in and react to the sound of a human voice and the sounds of footfall/vegetation disturbance. I admittedly have never run trails in areas with high bear population density (having seen how they respond to seeing other critters run, the thought of running myself is a bit chilling). But when I hike alone, I sing, especially in areas with dense vegetation and low visibility due sharp turns in the trail.

Reply
Joel says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:41 am

I’m really glad so many US races or standing together on this one. While UTMB is clearly a special race, numerous things about the Poletti’s continue to rub me the wrong way and this is just another example. I certainly understand the frustration this has/will create for runners attempting to accrue the needed points for UTMB entry, but if UTMB is so willing to grant qualifier status to any race, I’m sure there will always be venues to get the points if UTMB is that important to you.Reference

Reply
1. AJW says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 8:08 am
  
  Thanks for posting that UTMB piece. I, for one, think it’s disgraceful and insulting that the UTMB race organizers profit off other races that are likely struggling, in most cases, to just break even.
  
  Reply
  1. Ben says:
    
    June 28, 2017 at 2:18 pm
    
    Couldn’t agree more AJW. I knew about this but I forgot I guess. Kudos to HRH for taking a stand!…
    
    …now about that HRH lottery system… 😉
    
    Reply
  2. Geoffrey Alonso says:
    
    June 29, 2017 at 8:27 am
    
    Or just as much, cutting into what the races donate back to the area. Much rather see that than UTMB points.
    
    Reply
Nick says:

June 28, 2017 at 7:42 am

This is awesomeReference

Reply
Dreama says:

June 28, 2017 at 8:24 am

Eric, in regards to the article about UTMB Qualifying points…this is something that is an issue in Germany as well. Clemens NIedenthal is an editor for Trail Magazin Germany and he said they recently published an article regarding this same thing. Zugspitz Ultratrail (ZUT) decided they too are not going to pay which has caused a bit of contention…there was even with using Ultra Trail at the end of the race name.

Anyway, I sent this article to Clemens and he is going to do another article on it. He said he may need to get in contact with some people (race directors…etc) for an interview.

Reply
Wade N says:

June 28, 2017 at 8:48 am

scroll down for some amateur cameramen action in jornet’s final k during marathonReference

Reply
Dan P says:

June 28, 2017 at 8:49 am

Agree. This is great. What a scam UTMB is running.Reference

Reply
Michael J says:

June 28, 2017 at 11:06 am

Except for your original complaint of a fairly large yet unnamed film crew…I also read quite a few mentions of other crews being alluded to as being rude or pushy that we not amateurs, so I don’t know why you would make that distinction here. This seems like the perfect time for this discussion to be taking place just as it’s on the verge of becoming a true problem. Best to be proactive rather than reactive post incident. Sounds like there is plenty of fine tuning for all to consider ‘Pro’ and ‘Amateur’ alike. Sounds like it was an intense race day and like it should produce many great and dramatic stories, let’s just make sure that ‘all’ documenting these don’t take priority over those racers that we’re fighting through what sounded like a brutal year at States. The people racing and their ability to do so unfettered and unobstructed should come first. Eric, you made a great observation and have opened up a terrific discussion at the perfect time. Let it encompass the whole of RDs, crews, media, pro photags, and amateur alike. All have a responsibility to respect the experience of the athletes first.Reference

Reply
scott says:

June 28, 2017 at 11:32 am

Those races listed don’t need UTMB. But there are a ton of races who directly benefit from being a qualifier and can basically see the fee associated with it as coming from their marketing budget.
People will do your race if you’re a qualifier. That’s inarguable. The only places I even know to find foreign (non-US) races are the UTMB qualifiers list, Hardrock qualifiers and URP sponsors.
It’s a weird position where if they want to be black and white – either you pay or you don’t get in – then they’re in for a lot of troubles. But giving those major races points based on prestige while having smaller races gain runners from their association to the UT empire honestly seems pretty acceptable to me.
I would be really interested in seeing what the cost of being a qualifier is vs what the cost of running an ads on a major site or in a magazine would be.Reference

Reply
1. Dan P says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 12:08 pm
  
  It’s kind of bs to let the races that can afford to pay get in for free and then charge the small races that are usually breaking even if that have to kick money up to the UTMB empire. I do see your point that it’s probably a similar cost to advertising but it still doesn’t pass the smell test.
  
  Sounds like something straight out of Goodfellas. I think the Olympics and FIFA may be more ethical than the people running UTMB. I’d like to see the US majors tell any races that choose to pay UTMB they will no longer be qualifiers for their races. That may send a message. If you pay UTMB you can’t be a qualifier to HR, Western et al.
  
  Reply
Martin says:

June 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

Cost of ITRA assessing and assigning a race is € 100. Practically administrative costs. Much ado about Nothing.

ITRA does not belong to the Poletti’s and it is a totally Not for Profit Organisation. You can check this on their website. Though Michele Poletti is presently the President of ITRA – this may well change during this years election. Interesting to note that Craig Thornley is listed as being on the Steering Comitee of ITRA – maybe you should be asking him about this.

Reply
1. Ben says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 2:23 pm
  
  Is this confirmed? The cost to “be a UTMB race” is 100 euros?
  
  Reply
  1. Martin says:
    
    June 28, 2017 at 10:47 pm
    
    See bottom of this page.
    
    http://www.i-tra.org/page/292/Race_evaluation.html
    
    Reply
    1. Martin says:
      
      June 29, 2017 at 12:51 am
      
      And here is the Statute of ITRA where it is very clear that it is an independent, non profit organisation.
      
      http://www.itra.run/documents/ITRAStatutes29October2106_EN.docx.pdf
      
      I know someone who is on the board of ITRA (principally he got homself elected to make sure that there was not any funny business going on) who informs that the total budget of ITRA is approximately €100,000 from which they pay all administrative costs etc.
      on the other hand the UTMB which is directed and owned by the Poletti’s has a budget of approximately €1,5 million. A large amount of money but with this they put on 5 races (UTMB, TDS, CCC, OCC and PTL) with about 7000 participants.
      
      In this moment UTMB wish to have Kilian at the race but they are in a catch 22 situation. According to their rules you can only compete if you have the necessary ITRA points. Kilian does not presently have these points due to his “Summits of my Life” project over the last two years. He could obtain them by finishing Hardrock if this was an ITRA certified course but it is not. Poletti could overide her own rules but does not want to do this as it would create an uproar (similar to some of the discontent which has been caused by Hardrock in the past when they make arbitary rules and choices for choosing participants). This is why she has asked Hardrock to join ITRA.
      Unfortunately Madame Poletti is not the most politic and diplomatic person on the face of the earth and so I suspect that the message may have been delivered in a less than diplomatic way.
      So now we have UTMB and Hardrock facing off over a question of principle and incomprehension.
      The losers will be all of us who couldn’t wait to see Kilian and Jim Walmsley go head to head at UTMB.
      
      Reply
      1. eric schranz says:
        
        June 29, 2017 at 5:42 am
        
        Unfortunately Madame Poletti is not the most politic and diplomatic person on the face of the earth and so I suspect that the message may have been delivered in a less than diplomatic way.
        So now we have UTMB and Hardrock facing off over a question of principle and incomprehension.
        The losers will be all of us who couldn’t wait to see Kilian and Jim Walmsley go head to head at UTMB.
        THIS.
Trevor says:

June 28, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Re: prayer– I have cited this out loud on many of my trail races already, often times in the last few miles just yearning to finish:

“Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That’s what’s important! Valor pleases you, Crom… so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!”

works every time!

Reply
Paddy O'Leary says:

June 28, 2017 at 12:42 pm

We ran back on the trail from Robinson Flat on Saturday morning to catch the runners coming through, and one of us caught sight of a bear just off the trail near the stream crossings. And no, it wasn’t Chris DeNucci.Reference

Reply
Henry Bickerstaff says:

June 28, 2017 at 1:16 pm

I wonder if an organization similar to USA Triathlon would be appropriate of ultra running? Let’s say a national organization had dues of $20 per year or $7 per event. This money could then be used for drug testing without burdening any one event with the entire cost. What would be in it for the non-elite running? What if you gave them an annual subscription to either Trail Runner or Ultra Running magazine. I do not have information to judge whether or not the increase in advertising revenue with an increase in subscription base works or if the $20 is sufficient to provide all the drug testing needed. The other hurdle is to get events to become part of a national organization and what can you give events that would not do drug testing.Reference

Reply
1. scott says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 10:00 pm
  
  $20 is not REMOTELY enough to cover testing!
  
  Reply
Ryan says:

June 28, 2017 at 1:27 pm

I grew up in Alaska, and spent a lot of time in the backcountry. I don’t remember anyone ever wearing bells back then. I don’t remember even hearing of such a thing. (Talking 70’s here.) I was, however, taught to be noisy- to always be singing, talking, whistling, humming, etc.
“HEEEEEeeeey bear…. HEEEEEeeeey bear!”Reference

Reply
1. A says:
  
  June 28, 2017 at 7:55 pm
  
  Same in Canadian Rockies. “Yoooooo BEAR!”
  
  Reply
Ben says:

June 28, 2017 at 2:59 pm

I’d be really curious to hear from Jamil directly on whether he believes he is ‘pacing’ or not and how he deals with that aspect. As more and more runners become ‘pro’ or ‘amateur’ videographers where do we draw the line? I hate too many rules as much as the next guy or gal but in the spirit of fairness something has gotta give.

Reply
Tim McGargill says:

June 28, 2017 at 3:25 pm

This is a lose / lose situation, the biggest loser being us participants of these races. This further narrows our opportunities to choose races that will allow us to qualify for these pinnacle events. Our discipline is demanding enough to run one qualifier, let alone a whole other set qualifiers. I will foremost say that this statement is not accurate. Please allow me to explain why below. I also want to preface that race directing can be a thankless job. No matter how flawlessly an event may go, you can’t please everybody. I have the utmost respect for those who take on the sacrifice and challenge to host and manage all the moving parts that goes into these races. I am forever grateful to all race directors for allowing me to have these experiences and challenges that have made me a better person.

If you search for Big Horn Trail Race on the UTMB site: http://utmbmontblanc.com/en/page/17/Qualifying%20races.html you will see them listed. Why? Because I registered and paid for it. I have all documentation between the race staff and myself spanning from 7+ months of persistence, and they did not once cite this moral conflict. I also registered the Silver State 50 race – paying for the fee out of my own pocket and managing the UTMB registration qualifying process myself. John Trent, the RD, did voice his concerns to me and was passionate about standing up to the ITRA. John told me at one point he no longer wanted to follow through with the UTMB registration process, but extending his compassion to me as a past participant of his race, and allowed me to continue to register the Silver State 50 as a UTMB qualifying event.

If you would like to hear more of my story, please visit https://ruffrd.com/2017/06/28/utmb-part-1/ . Yes, this is a shameless and handy way for me to promote my startup business. I won’t dilute this any further than I need to. I have a problem with Big Horn being so quick to jump on a band wagon without disclosing why they paid for 2016. AND then to ask me several times for the UTMB qualifier graphic.

I have openly engaged the IRTA to rethink their structure and even have a proposal to them that would be mutually beneficial for both parties. This has fallen on deaf ears. Our trail community is based on team work. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond to accomplish what most think is crazy. I would urge these races to openly engage and collaborate with the ITRA to find a solution. A boycott like this only hurts your participants in the end. I am more than willing to facilitate this. I care because I have a score to settle with Mt. Blanc. I truly do not want bureaucracy like this to stand in the way of anyone else’s dreams.

Reply
Mary says:

June 28, 2017 at 3:40 pm

The bears call them “dinner bells”

Reply
Pete says:

June 28, 2017 at 5:24 pm

I came across this new film about the Georgia Death race, featuring AJW and Jackie Merrit. It seems to offer a good look into what the race and the Beast Coast are all about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrHGxB-tvk

Reply
nedbarrett says:

June 29, 2017 at 4:45 am

Bought a set for my kids when I visited Alaska. They worked great for entertaining them…

Reply

Please use real name. Anonymous comments will be deleted. Thanks.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.