What do people think to this? Is it a shame to see old club vests being replaced by Nike tops with shop names on, or a classic Borrowdale top with Inov8 stuck in the middle?
Or is it ok because it's generally Pete Bland's doing the sponsoring? Is it just one of those things that happens and it doesn't matter either way?
Thought I'd mention it as I was surprised no one had commented before.
Commercialisation and fell running... they lie hand in hand.. that's how the sport started.. no issues at all..Originally Posted by L.F.F.
You have to accept that we are a sport with many tiers of performance. It costs quite a bit to travel around to races especially if you are contesting championships and there isn't that mush money in it; generally the occasional PB voucher or similar.
Any support that sponsors can give should be gratefully received and it is generally from the likes of Pete Blands, Walsh and Inov-8 who make much of their living from the sport and so rightfully put something back.
All runners benefit. Junior FRA races are all assisted and most leagues have some form of backup even if just race numbers.
Surprised more people don't have any thoughts on this.
Not sure I agree commercialisation and fell running go hand in hand. Aren't they about the last things you'd say go hand in hand??
Well I did have an offer of free Kendal Mint Cake & didn't take it up. Rank amateur & proud of it: I've just ordered my next consignment & paid in full.
Andy Robinson
Runfurther committee member
Helsby Running Club
What it means is that you're not a real fell runner unless you have one.
Dont see what the problem is. Pete Bland has sponsored the top fell runners for years, Ian Holmes years ago had sponsorship from Fila, Simon Bailey from Innov-8 and Rob Jebb from Ron Hill. Recently a number of leading fell runners have been able to take part in the World Sky Running series thanks to sponsorship from Saab Salomon. As long as the runners or clubs are benefiting whats the big deal?
Pennine fell runners have been in discussion with the German government regarding sponsoring us by means of an apology after basing their national flag on our shirts. Discussions finally broke down last week between Angela Merkel and David Cameron.
Have to agree... it's not going to affect 99% of runners but could potentially make a massive difference to that 1% and allow them to compete at the highest level on the world stage. The trickle down success from their success inspiring kids etc, can only be good for the sport.
At Altrincham we have had the same problem with the Spanish!
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