Dear Ultra Race Directors (And anyone else interested)
The growth of ultrarunning is well documented. In some circles it is celebrated. New “young guns” continue to push the sport forward in new and exciting ways, posting results we never could have imagined 10 years ago. Others decry this growth as the "loss of the soul of ultrarunning". Others complain that the sport is being "ruined".
Whatever your position is, the growth is inevitable. It MAY even be good...IF it causes us to be deliberate about preserving what is best about our sport.
Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to found and lead the Vasque Ultrarunning Team. While I am far from elite, I have had a unique opportunity to spend a lot of time with some of the fastest people in our sport (people like Andy Jones-Wilkins and many, many others...not to mention my lovely wife whose ultra accomplishments leave me in constant awe). They taught me a lot about what is great about our sport and what is worth passing on to the next generation.
Thus, I have a humble suggestion for race directors (I know some of you already do this).
Before the start of your race, ask all first-timers to raise their hand. Then ask those who have run more than 10 ultras (or alternately those who have been in the sport for more than 5 or 10 years) to do the same. Take the time to initiate newcomers to the important traditions of our sport and encourage them to follow the lead of the veterans.
With so many people coming from triathlons and road running (with vastly different cultures), the only way that we can hope to preserve our traditions is to educate newcomers to the fact ultrarunning is, above all, about community.
Here are a few of the traditions that I have found most inspiring over the years (in no particular order). Please feel free to add to the list.
• We thank our aid station volunteers as we run through… smiling (or struggling to, in between fits of vomiting). We don’t expect them to “serve” us, but rather help us if they can. They have given up usually a full day (and sometimes a full weekend) of their time to be there. We NEVER criticize them because without them races can’t happen.
• We wave at and encourage other runners on the trail, even it the best we can manage is a feeble, “looking good”. We are all out there together on a shared journey.
• We hang out together after the race, sharing our stories and accomplishment and cheering slower runners in.
• Elite runners in particular (Scott Jurek really embodied this) show respect for the slower folks who struggle just to finish races, many just before cutoffs. I always appreciate those who make an effort to stay at the finish until the last runner is in.
• We take responsibility for ourselves…we know the route, understand the weather or altitude issues that are relevant to the event. A rescue can ruin a lot of people’s day.
• We keep the trails clean!!!
• If a runner is injured or in distress, we check on them or even stop to offer what assistance we can. If it’s REALLY serious enough, we STOP, regardless of our position. I once DNF’d a race after more than 40 miles to help evacuate a sick runner, carrying him 4+ miles on a litter.
There are many more and I hope that folks will add to the list.
I come from a cycling background. I was pretty good but I never had the opportunity to race in the Tour de France against Lance Armstrong. As an ultrarunner, however, I ran the Western States 100 with Scott Jurek and Ann Trason two of the greatest legends of our sport (and unquestionably two people of far greater integrity than Lance). Though I doubt I was even in the same area code when they crossed the finish line, we suffered together on the trail covering the same course on the same day. As such, we share a small bond forever.
The sport continues to receive an influx of amazingly talented new runners (both elite and recreational), including cross-over athletes from road running and triathlons. While I welcome the new talent and get excited about the way they continue to help our sport evolve, it’s critical that we maintain the soul of the sport that we love. Race directors have a unique opportunity (and megaphone) to help preserve the soul of the sport we love so much.
Let’s make sure we keep ultrarunning “old school” while watching in awe as these new youngin’s continue to push the bounds of human endurance. Happy trails!!!
Food for thought....
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