UTMB

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is one of the most prestigious events in the trail running world, attracting thousands of runners and spectators annually. However, the 2024 edition of UTMB has sparked a significant controversy, particularly with the introduction of the Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB race, set to take place in Whistler, British Columbia, in September 2024. This article delves into the various facets of this controversy, examining its impact on the local community, ethical concerns, and the broader implications for the trail running community.

Local Community's Reaction: Voices of Discontent

The announcement of the Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB race has not been well received by key figures in the Canadian trail running community. Ellie Greenwood, a Canadian trail icon, expressed disappointment over UTMB's expansion, pointing out that local race directors had already established various trail races in Whistler. These races were overshadowed and, in some cases, pushed out due to UTMB's new event. Jim Walmsley, the UTMB course record holder and 2023 winner, also seemed to express dissatisfaction with the current situation, as indicated by a Strava activity where he pondered over his racing choices for the next year.

Conflict with Local Race Organization

The controversy escalated following the announcement of the new race by the UTMB World Series and Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. This announcement came in the wake of the cancellation of the Whistler Alpine Meadows event, managed by Coast Mountain Trail Running. This cancellation was attributed to challenges in organizing the race, including what were perceived as insurmountable new requirements from Vail Resort.

Ethical and Process Concerns

Gary Robbins and Geoff Langford, co-owners of Coast Mountain Trail Running and co-race directors of the now-defunct Whistler Alpine Meadows, have raised public concerns about the ethics and processes involving Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort and the UTMB World Series. Their stance has garnered considerable support within the trail running community, with many viewing the situation as a David versus Goliath struggle, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in such corporate expansions.

UTMB's Expansion: Impact on Local Events

The Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB race has sparked a broader debate about the influence of large, multinational corporations on local trail running events and communities. The expansion of UTMB raises questions about the preservation of local races, community involvement, and the sustainability of trail running as a sport deeply rooted in local cultures and environments.

The UTMB 2024 controversy shines a spotlight on the delicate balance between preserving local trail running events and the expansion of major race series. It underscores the importance of ethical considerations and community engagement in the growth of the sport. As the trail running community grapples with these issues, the outcome of this controversy may well set a precedent for how such expansions are handled in the future.