The main reason for why there isn't any advertising is the owner of this site does not like it or want it because he doesn't like it or want it. He has strong, strange beliefs that advertising is not healthy for any individual or any part of the earth and wants to minimize the destruction of both.

"Don't buy anything that is advertised." 

Corporate Running 

by

Alex Morton, R.D. 

"My 30 years of experience in pharmacy education and psychopharmacology help me make sense of some of the products and claims that seem to be so prolific in the ultra running magazines through some really “cool” advertisements. For years I have seen new medications come on the market with such claims that the public can’t get enough of them and consume them with unbridled enthusiasm. Many people take these medications and sit back and wait for the “results.” With the incredibly slick ads of people elevated to a new level of peace, happiness, and relaxation, these products help the pharmaceutical industry earn billions of dollars for their management and shareholders. Often, the consumers of these products are quite disappointed with how these drugs “work.” In my experience, almost all these medications for the mind allow one to work more efficiently and more effectively to solve their problem(s). Work is underlined. Getting better takes a lot of work. Period.

Running faster and further takes a lot of work too. A well-planned and executed training plan often brings about the desired results. However, almost every place I turn I am faced with advertisements for new shoes, jackets, devices, packs, nutritional products and running enhancements/supplements, which promise so much more. So many companies, both new and old, are recognizing the financial potential offered by the ultra running community, many of whom have much more disposable income than the average runner. (I mean, it really is pretty decadent to spend half a day or even a whole day out running and not have to be at work!

So now we appear to be quickly entering the new age of corporate ultra running. Big name running corporations are quite willing to sponsor more and more ultra runs and ultra series, helping sponsor many new and old runs. We are a potential wealthy population to be “exploited” for our money. They are investing their money in our races with a look at the long-term potential of increased financial returns. I am interested in watching to see how the ultra running community embraces these corporate come-ons. When will we have enough t-shirts and other running trinkets?  When will enough be enough? 

I appreciate the balance that UltraRunning magazine has developed. Obviously, the magazine would be quite expensive to buy without any advertisers. Yet, the publishers have not “sold out” with color ads on every page to try and constantly capture our attention. I wonder if runners and race directors can exercise similar constraint?"

Published in UltraRunning, page 4, December 2004.

Oh well, that was then,  and now...? They will maybe print our results?  What about that big advertisement in Trail Runner?