British Ultra

[Strider1]

It has more to with the long term effect of commercialism on sport.

Ah, well, now that in itself is a topic worthy of long discussion.

Commercialism has indeed destroyed some sports, eg. football and boxing, has had a mixed effect on others, eg. cricket and rugby, but until recently outdoor pursuits of a running variety (ie. fell running, orienteering, adventure racing) have been relatively untouched.

For me, there will be enough room for all types of running - the cheap as chips local events for a couple of quid, right through to the huge overseas adventures which commercial companies are now putting on, in growing numbers, to cater for this market.

I love 'em all...... just wish I had more free time and money to do 'em all!

[IainR]

Ah, well, now that in itself is a topic worthy of long discussion.

Commercialism has indeed destroyed some sports, eg. football and boxing, has had a mixed effect on others, eg. cricket and rugby, but until recently outdoor pursuits of a running variety (ie. fell running, orienteering, adventure racing) have been relatively untouched.

For me, there will be enough room for all types of running - the cheap as chips local events for a couple of quid, right through to the huge overseas adventures which commercial companies are now putting on, in growing numbers, to cater for this market.

I love 'em all...... just wish I had more free time and money to do 'em all!

Why do you think Football isn't available as cheap as chips? Both to play and to watch?

Go and watch your local non-league team, good standard. Footballs popularity is its ease at which it can be played, flat(ish) land, a ball, that's all you need.

And football destroyed by commercialism. Most fans would say commercialisation has allowed the game to get faster, more skillful and be a better more watchable game than ever.

[Strider1]

And football destroyed by commercialism. Most fans would say commercialisation has allowed the game to get faster, more skillful and be a better more watchable game than ever.

Oh, undoubtedly, the game is now more athletic in every way, just as cricket and rugby are, which is the positive side of professionalism/commercialism.

Unfortunately this is off-set by a whole host of negative factors brought about through commercialism: over-paid, pumped up popinjays as players; the lack of sportsmanship shown at nearly every level; foul and abusive language being tolerated by the authorities and seen as the norm in many games, even down to Sunday morning football; continual undermining of referees transending the levels, to the extent that our county association lost 300 qualified refs last year alone; managers who think it acceptable that officialdom should be challenged at every turn, never worrying about the consequences their actions may have on the credibility of the game; clubs who believe that only the premiership (and not the nation) matters and are willing to pay the astronomical sums to the aforementioned prima-donnas, who'll drop them the moment they are dangled a better contract at the club down the road. And, worst of all for me, working in education as I do, is the generation of boys and girls growing up now who's only notion of sport is this 'beautiful game'.......

[Strider1]

Why do you think Football isn't available as cheap as chips? Both to play and to watch?

I don't think that - the effects of commercialism on the sport is what I was talking about!

[IainR]

Oh, undoubtedly, the game is now more athletic in every way, just as cricket and rugby are, which is the positive side of professionalism/commercialism.

Unfortunately this is off-set by a whole host of negative factors brought about through commercialism: over-paid, pumped up popinjays as players; the lack of sportsmanship shown at nearly every level; foul and abusive language being tolerated by the authorities and seen as the norm in many games, even down to Sunday morning football; continual undermining of referees transending the levels, to the extent that our county association lost 300 qualified refs last year alone; managers who think it acceptable that officialdom should be challenged at every turn, never worrying about the consequences their actions may have on the credibility of the game; clubs who believe that only the premiership (and not the nation) matters and are willing to pay the astronomical sums to the aforementioned prima-donnas, who'll drop them the moment they are dangled a better contract at the club down the road. And, worst of all for me, working in education as I do, is the generation of boys and girls growing up now who's only notion of sport is this 'beautiful game'.......

Not sure its that simple with refs.

We had one the other day who gave a player off side 'because the defender wasn't interfering with play'!

What do you do there?

The guy doesn't understand the rules. The FA said we'd got it wrong and wouldn't contact him? The ref refused to even discuss the incident after the game, so he goes on not understanding the rule changes.

*only an attacking player can be judged not interfering.

Football is in a real mess where refs are concerned, and its due to faults on both sides IMO.

[JohnK]

I have just been looking at the Runners World website (momentary Lapse Of Reason i Guess) on the Ultra, Fellrunning Threads, and it would appear the entrants for the British Ultra have started receiving there Race-Packs and there are some interesting/intriguing points being raised, in case any of you fancy a look

[ydt]

And I wouldn't do them as well.

once transport, food, etc is paid for that race will cost the best part of a k!

Unfortunately ultras are being organised as a money making adventure, meaning many races are way too expensive.

I could not agree more with you Iain. I am contemplating of not doing any more of the Montrail series races since some of them are getting rather expensive; and they are only LDWA type events.
I would rather stick to events that are low key and the entry fee covers the cost of the prizes.
It worries me that entries for races and mountain marathons have started being traded like expensive football tickets.
Yiannis

[Strider1]

[QUOTE=JohnK;98324](momentary Lapse Of Reason i Guess) QUOTE]

You're not a Pink Floyd fan, by any chance...

[JohnK]

[quote=Strider1;98356]

(momentary Lapse Of Reason i Guess) QUOTE]

You're not a Pink Floyd fan, by any chance...

One Slip

[Strider1]

I have just been looking at the Runners World website (momentary Lapse Of Reason i Guess) on the Ultra, Fellrunning Threads, and it would appear the entrants for the British Ultra have started receiving there Race-Packs and there are some interesting/intriguing points being raised, in case any of you fancy a look

And have you read LFW's replies...?

P.