GB ultrarunner Damian Hall and a small group of ultrarunners have launched a new initiative – Into Ultra – to reduce barriers to participation in ultrarunning. Best Garmin deals.
In recent years, ultrarunning – an endurance sport where you run further than the marathon distance (26.2 miles) – has soared in popularity in the UK. Studies have suggested that runners have become less driven by times and competition, and instead now wish to test their mental and physical strength in races up to 100 miles in length, which, naturally, place far less importance on PBs and split times.
However, the rise of ultrarunning has, until now, been somewhat limited by various barriers – the main one being money. Ultra races are notably expensive to enter, and when combined with travel, equipment and coaching, are an unattainable goal for many.
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Hall, who races competitively in ultras, had noticed the increasingly low attendance of lower income groups at these events – as well as the under-representation of females and minority ethnic groups. That's why he set up Into Ultra.
The initiative does not follow a rigid set of rules, but wishes to use their funds to make the biggest impact on those who have limited resources. By contacting Into Ultra, applicants may be entitled to financial support of up to a few hundred pounds to help with travel, learning fundamental skills or race entry fees.
In addition, Into Ultra is also reaching out for potential collaborations with race directors, shops and coaches, with the aim of creating a broader support network for athletes in the future.
While the scheme is still in its ‘prototype’ phase, in time it intends to achieve charitable status with a broad range of donors, to provide assistance to as many people as possible.
For now, Into Ultra will continue to use its small funds to assist people in the most effective way while they explore how to structure the programme for long-term sustainability.
If you think you may be eligible for Into Ultra they are open to applications via their email: apply@intoultra.org.uk. Alternatively, you can read more about the initiative on intoultra.org.uk
