The Trail and Ultra Running scene has been buzzing with the UTMB controversy for the past few months. So much that some are calling for a UTMB boycott, even elite runners such as Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller questioning the future of trail and ultra running.

But what is the UTMB controversy? When did it start? What happened between Gary Robbins, The Whistler Alpine Meadow race and UTMB? Or is runners anger originate from UTMB controversial monopoly system using stones for qualification? What's the role of Ironman and why are runners concerned that UTMB may be taking a similar path? And what about sponsorship of UTMB by Dacia as it goes against environmental values of trail running?

This isn't my normal type of video, but the future of trail running is a subject I'm very passionate about, and I think we need to talk about these things. So today, I want to discuss briefly about those topics - the whole UTMB controversy timeline - but importantly, I want to discuss about potential solution moving forward. In my mind, there is no denying that UTMB as had a positive impact in growing trail running as a sport. That said, some of their recent decisions does not sit well with many runners, and some consider this an aggressive take over by large corporation which can edge out lower-resource yet passionate race directors such as Gary Robbins.

I'm not a big fan of boycott, and rather focused on finding solutions. I think mid-packers like you and I need to be part of discussions and I hope to create a dialogue with this video. I believe UTMB can be part of the solution, and I hope they take time to listen to the little folks like you and I. And honestly, although UTMB is at the center of the controversy, I think the overarching issue relates more to the rapidly increasing revenue potential in trail running, and potential greed by certain organization. Other race - even smaller ones - should take a good look at their behavior and ask themselves if they are contributing to the sport, or are they in it for the big buck.

We've also learned last fall of the World Trail Majors - which I will be racing this year. Things are moving, and hopefully once the dust settles, I hope we will have protected those that are contributing to the sport, that are helping us move forward.

As always, thanks for watching!

Simon