That's the problem with "roadies" always trying to apply pace/speed. In track events there're people who can run 100m very well, but can't do it as good in 200m, what?!
Yet in ultras, it's a common criticism pointing as an example above - that's why Camille doesn't race marathons, but can smash 100miles. Fred can smash 100-400m which is unusual but would you say, how hard is 800m since Fred can't break X, he's useless? No, you would understand clearly the difference. That's why as others said, go and try it!
Are we really going to compare the competition Fred Kerley faces versus that of Camille Herron?
Do you really think that if Kenyons and Ethiopians started doing Ultra en masse that they wouldn’t dominate?
Ultra is a nice little niche sport and of course running 100 miles is hard, but in no way does it attract top level athletes.
they are basically different sports. track doesn't really attract top level athletes either, compared to sports with much more money up for grabs. why don't you only watch premier league, the nba, and the nfl if you're so concerned about sports that don't have top athletes flooding in?
like, you don't see ultimate frisbee or lacrosse fans saying, 'well these guys are cool but lebron would dominate.' nobody cares - just enjoy the sport and the athletes who choose to do it. or ignore and watch something else. but randomly hating on the athletes is just stupid.