The Business Daily radio programme on the BBC World Service recently carried a piece titled 'The ultramarathon business - How extreme running events became a big money-spinner.'.
In the last decade or so, doing long distance events that are well beyond the usual marathon distance of 26.2 miles / 42.2 kms have become hugely popular as runners seek new challenges.
You can find the 17-minute programme here... https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct5zjx
I think anyone with an interest in ultra running will find it of interest.
2 comments:
Not just ultras, a lot of running races in Cork/Ireland have become ridiculously expensive for what's on offer. Best value around Cork are Parkrun -Free (Don't forget to volunteer every now and then), Bhaa - 5/10 euro and Imra.ie(Volunteering here too) - 7 euro for a lot of their races. Cloyne 4k series - 5 euro. Running road races and club membership is beginning to be an exclusive pastime now, this shouldn't be the case and clubs have a responsibility here to maintain inclusivity which they are not doing by having increased membership fees, foreign running trips...
I have to agree - when amateur running has reached a situation where some runners have to ask themselves if they can take part in a race because of inflated race prices, then amateur running has been divided into the haves and haves not and amateur running clubs need to ask themselves are they in exustence to make a profit or to serve their club members and the wider running community
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