Walmsley To Competition: “Figure it Out”

The Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA) shares more perspectives by their members on the increasingly controversial topic of pacers (at an elite level) at the most competitive events in the US. Most athletes have fairly vanilla takes here: ‘it’s part of history, it’s fun, there’s no harm’. Jim Walmsley, who’s increasingly uses his status as one of the most successful ultra runners of our time is taking a different take:

I don’t think elites at Western States should have pacers. Nobody competitive there needs them. Nowadays, with phones and tech, it can distort the race in a negative way. Professionals, which our sport has now, should be competent at America’s highest level. Figure it out. Also, golden ticket races should forbid pacers for ticket positions. Black Canyon 100k, pacing is embarrassing to allow. You have to make it to Foresthill without a friend anyways.

Kudos to Jim for speaking his mind so succinctly. More of this in our sport, please.