They don’t pay entry fees. You have to pay your own fee even with a golden ticket. There are some spots open that are not lottery or golden ticket spots but kilian probably shouldn’t get one that way.
isn't this in the US? disappointed in him for not boycotting the US and their fascist regime. i thought he had ethical boundaries the way he stood up against UTMB.
You can contact them to let them know your opinion and who knows you might be able to persuade them. Remember this is western states with their permits only allowing them under 400 runners. It's not like a big city marathon where spots are not limited to the same degree.
You know, paying the best 5 athletes in the world seems like a good approach to elevate competition. The current approach brings 2-3 contenders at best on a regular year. Not exactly fun to watch
Kilian just won Sierre Zinal last year, he is on top form
So Kilian vs Walmsley vs Roche could be on the starting line, and maybe some other top runners (if there some invitations). But, fairness... goodness me, long distance running is ancient. Why not be a bit more like golden league, (or golden trails). Oh fairness, california...
, this is crazy. No bonus for times? No appearance fees? This must change
So Kilian vs Walmsley vs Roche could be on the starting line, and maybe some other top runners (if there some invitations).
1. The field of western states is small. So the race organization doesn't have the ability to pool up the funds for prize money in the same nature as road races. For an elite runner doing good at western states is the appearance fee in the form of sponsorships and bonuses from sponsorship. If you're wealthy and want to offer money for the top ten at western states, that would be appreciated.
2. The field of western states is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive ultras without the three runners you mentioned. Looking at the start list you have the likes of Hayden Hawks, Jon Albon, Adam Peterman, Seth Ruhling, Caleb Olson, Peter Frano etc. Last year 6 men went sub 15 hours at western states and most of them are coming back. If your perception of elite ultra running is just Kilian, walmsley and Roche than you don't know much about the sport.
, this is crazy. No bonus for times? No appearance fees? This must change
So Kilian vs Walmsley vs Roche could be on the starting line, and maybe some other top runners (if there some invitations).
1. The field of western states is small. So the race organization doesn't have the ability to pool up the funds for prize money in the same nature as road races. For an elite runner doing good at western states is the appearance fee in the form of sponsorships and bonuses from sponsorship. If you're wealthy and want to offer money for the top ten at western states, that would be appreciated.
2. The field of western states is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive ultras without the three runners you mentioned. Looking at the start list you have the likes of Hayden Hawks, Jon Albon, Adam Peterman, Seth Ruhling, Caleb Olson, Peter Frano etc. Last year 6 men went sub 15 hours at western states and most of them are coming back. If your perception of elite ultra running is just Kilian, walmsley and Roche than you don't know much about the sport.
I know quite a bit about the sport. These runners are very impressive and I didn't list them all. Kilian might not even be a top contender due to this course. But that a bunch of runners can run sub 15, doesn't mean you can't make it more competitive with some invitations (no need for appearance fees). Look at the golden trail series. Competition is the only way to lift excitement and keep this just communal. This year there is a chance to go also under 14 (and i think it may require sub 14). The time is not everything, the competition is.
Western states can go out of its communal attitude and invite Julian. He may have to miss a golden ticket race to qualify because of a new baby due. The guy also wine sierre zinal last year. .
Yes, there are some good competitors, but a few invitations based on last year doesn’t seem crazy. This is a recipe for losing viewership. Long distance running is so stagnated..
So ancient thinking. and agree, elite athletes shoukd ho to some “special” races earn a sport. Winning Sierre zinal is not enough..
Roche and Walmsley are showing up. Also Hayden hawks, Albon. But come on, raise the competition, invite some of the best. ok, say the budget is low (even though easy to get sponsors I’m sure), but 5-7 invites wouldn’t destroy the community, quite the opposite.
They should just invite a few super elite athletes. What’s the big deal? Does he really need to race that Italian race to participate in wes100? What are they thinking?
Would be cool to see Killian take another crack at WS with the improved competition. Not really a course he is suited for with the heat and relatively flat profile. But he is one of the greats. I dont think WS needs to go around handing him an invite. They already have soooooo many ways for elites or sponsored athletes to get in. The race is so limited in spots already with some people spending close to a decade trying to get in to run it. Allowing someone a "free" spot is a slap in the face to those people even more than the existing sponsor spots.