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The yr 2022 was fairly a yr on this planet of ultramarathon, and I count on 2023 to be one other doozy.
In that context, on this, my final column of 2022, I’m sharing my 5 2023 predictions for the world of ultrarunning.
1. UTMB/Ironman Enlargement
UTMB and Ironman will proceed to develop and consolidate their affect over the world of elite-level ultrarunning. As UTMB and Ironman have grown, they’ve created a worldwide sphere of affect that’s unparalleled. As this continues to evolve, whereas offering elevated alternatives for elite ultrarunners to compete on a worldwide scale, it should additionally result in extra race director turnover, athlete over-racing, and additional monopolization of sponsorship alternatives within the sport.
The beginning of the 2022 UTMB. Photograph: iRunFar/Kirsten Kortebein
2. Elite Athlete Crossover
Extra elite-level athletes, notably from triathlon, biking, and cross-country snowboarding, will cross over to ultrarunning. As we noticed earlier this yr with triathlete Heather Jackson, we are going to proceed to see extra elite-level runners cross over to compete within the ultrarunning house as the game supplies extra alternative for sponsorship and funding whereas nonetheless being enjoyable. I, for one, can not wait to see world-class cross-country skier and all-around nice individual Jessie Diggins run her first extremely.
3. Smaller Ultramarathon Race Collection
Small mom-and-pop race administrators will come collectively in solidarity to fight commercialism and can develop their very own collection — grounded within the grassroots, and dedicated to the every-person nature of the game that introduced so many people right here within the first place. Certainly, some races will stop to exist, however for many who accumulate their sources and develop in methods commensurate with the respective sizes of their occasions, they may thrive with their very own collection.
Bobby Peavy (proper) and Brian Condon after ending first and second on the 2018 Blue Sky Path Marathon. Photograph: Gnar Runners
4. Nonbinary Runners Help
Race organizers will enhance recognition of and assist for nonbinary runners. Riley Brady on the 2022 Javelina 100 Mile has taught us all that the longer term belongs to everybody. As occasions evolve and take into account methods through which to honor and respect all individuals, Brady’s instance and their stylish response to the criticism will proceed to tell race organizers for years to return.
Riley Brady on the 2022 Cayuga Trails 50k. Photograph: Ellie Pell
5. Ultramarathon Livestreaming Development
An increasing number of races will present livestream protection of their occasions. With Starlink now ubiquitous and smartphone digicam expertise enhancing, there isn’t any doubt that increasingly more occasions will present livestreaming. YouTube is an easy-to-use, free platform, and there are all the time folks on the market ready at support stations who could be joyful to shoot video for some time. Video protection of ultras, whereas actually primitive, is right here to remain.
Pleased New 12 months, everybody!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This ultimate beer of the yr comes from Mom Street Brewing Firm in Flagstaff, Arizona. Identified for his or her hoppy IPAs, Mom Street additionally makes different good beers and on the prime of my record is their Preserve and Shield Golden Ale. A easy tackle this basic selection, Preserve and Shield is powerful, tasty, and an ideal New 12 months’s Eve beer.
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What are your predictions for 2023? Tell us!
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