iRunFar’s Western States Coverage Considered

I can’t recall ever publishing a post like this on iRunFar, but I have a few things I want to share about iRunFar’s coverage of the Western States 100 this year. In short, I am both overwhelmed by iRunFar’s readership and extremely thankful for the support I received from a few trail running companies.

I’ll start off by thanking Salomon for providing me with a place to crash for a few nights before the race and letting me join them for some meals. I’ve previously enjoyed my time spent with the Salomon crew and this year’s Western States was no exception. More important for all of you, Salomon provided me with a spot to work. I’ve got no problem sleeping in the parking lot a Squaw Valley. I’ve done it before. However, having a table, a power outlet, and a reliable internet connection were key to me banging out video coverage on the fly prior to the race. Thank you, Salomon.

Speaking of video coverage, iRunFar wouldn’t have any without the support of La Sportiva. Early this year they agreed to partner with iRunFar to support our video content. In reality, this meant I was able to purchase a camcorder and a few accessories. While I am admittedly still learning how to use the camera and how to interview, I trust that you found the videos useful. Thank you, La Sportiva.

For the second straight year, we ran a Western States Prediction Content and for the second straight year Montrail and Mountain Hardwear provided a great prize package to the three winners. The companies also set up a prize pack for a Montrail Ultra Cup prediction contest for which we’ll soon publish results. Through a bit of luck, I also ended up meeting and going for a run up to the top of the Escarpment with Topher Gaylord, the new president of Mountain Hardwear/Montrail. Having heard what this passionate ultrarunner has in store for these companies is pretty exciting. Thank you, Montrail and Mountain Hardwear.

Then there’s all of you! I won’t bore you with traffic stats, but iRunFar set all sorts of records in the days surrounding the event. That traffic has little tangible “benefit,” but it sure makes me feel like all the hard work was worth it!

If you think all of iRunFar’s hard work surrounding Western States was worth it or you enjoy iRunFar throughout the year, please consider making a donation to support our efforts. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.

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Filed under Administrative · Tagged with La Sportiva, Montrail, Salomon

Bryon Powell is the Editor-in-Chief of iRunFar.com, which he founded five years ago. Also the author of Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, he's quickly approaching 10 years as an ultrarunner and 20 years as a trail runner. These days he calls Park City, Utah and its trails home.
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