When Trail Running Became Big Business, Not Everyone Was Happy
An independent Canadian race disappeared. A global racing giant moved in. Then two of trail running's biggest stars began asking questions.
Athletes World
• As trail running grows into a global business, major race organizers like UTMB are bringing new opportunities while raising concerns about the future of independent events and local running communities.
For six years, Gary Robbins helped bring runners to the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia. His Whistler Alpine Meadows event attracted hundreds of athletes willing to tackle steep climbs, rugged trails, and distances stretching up to 100 miles.
Then the race was cancelled in 2023.
Eight months later, a global racing organization announced plans for a new event in the same location.
For Robbins and many in the trail-running community, it was a bitter development. The new organizer was UTMB, the company behind one of the world's most prestigious mountain races. And its growing influence was becoming a controversial subject. (iRunFar, 2023)
Then the race was cancelled in 2023.
Eight months later, a global racing organization announced plans for a new event in the same location.
For Robbins and many in the trail-running community, it was a bitter development. The new organizer was UTMB, the company behind one of the world's most prestigious mountain races. And its growing influence was becoming a controversial subject. (iRunFar, 2023)
