The Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are fast approaching. There is always a lot of talk about what new sports should be included in the Olympics and with two new sports in the 2016 event; Rugby Sevens (a 7 player a side version of rugby union) and Golf added to the schedule. There has been some controversy with the 2 new sports especially Golf with many of the top players not competing sighting scheduling issues, no prize money or Zika virus for their non-attendance.
It got me thinking should we see ultra running and trail running added as an Olympic sport?
I can definitely see cases - for and against.
From a spectacle perspective for a country to showcase their local scenery around a city it would be amazing to watch. A long course event would definitely present a great opportunity for spectators to get out to see an Olympic event and mostly likely for free.
There may be some concerns about logistics and finding a suitable course in host locations, plus safety concerns for such a large event. Picture crowds like on a Tour de France mountain stage especially if the event was short course event like a vertical k/sky running race.
It would be great to imagine the world's best like Spain’s Kilian Jornet vs American Rob Krar or Sweden’s Emelie Forsberg vs New Zealand’s Anna Frost towing the line for Olympic Gold. They are usually racing for belt buckles and bragging rights.
There is a case for not including it as an Olympic sport, for pure nature of trail running and the freedom of mountains makes me feel it would be like if surfing (which has just being announced to be included 2020 Olympics in Tokyo) was included too. Does a sport need to progress to achieve a level of validation by being labelled as an Olympic sport? It would create a greater profile for the sport post-Olympics which does create some positives with sponsorship money, new races, more product and equipment advancement but negatives too such as increasing entry prices for races and probably more or higher qualifications required for some races.
There would also be the organisation of the various sporting bodies including IAAF, ISF, WMRA, IAU to facilitate the race.
The sport is growing in popularity like triathlon was a decade or so ago, as people look to explore different sports outside traditional team sports and new challenges.
It will be interesting to watch this space. Ultra running – Olympic sport does have a certain ring to it doesn't it?
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