Information from the Endurance Sports Coalition, a group of over 500 organizations including several dozen ATRA members and partners.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the immediate cancellation or postponement of every trail running and endurance event across the United States for the foreseeable future. Like many sectors of the economy, trail running and endurance sports are in financial crisis.
What makes our industry unique is the existential nature of this threat.
Without registration fees and sponsorships, events across the country have seen their cash flow stop completely. And while we are all eager to do our part to help flatten the curve, we cannot reliably predict when athletes will have the confidence to participate in large gatherings like endurance events again.
Without specifically targeted help from the federal government, endurance sports may not survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Many events with long and proud histories do not have the resources to weather this storm and will not be able to ramp up again next year.
Over 500 endurance events have joined together to form the Endurance Sports Coalition, including ATRA members Spartan Race, P3R Inc., Ragnar Relay, Leslie Jordan, Marathon Printing, Suffer Better, Brazen Racing, Spectrum Sports Management, Ashworth Awards, MR Running Pains Events, EX2 Adventures, GoPro Mountain Games and Marathon Majic. These difficult times call for unprecedented collaboration.
Together — with one singular voice — the Endurance Sports Coalition is asking Congress to provide critical funding and relief to ensure we can continue to deliver events and coach our athletes. Because, as we know, endurance sports benefit public health, drive economic impact, create jobs and bring people together.
Mission of the Endurance Sports Coalition: Use the strength of our united voice to push Congress for additional relief for operators of endurance sporting events, our coaches and endemic vendors, ensuring we can retain our employees, support our athletes, and be prepared to offer our fitness experiences when it’s safe to be outside again.
This coalition is growing rapidly, and is open to every event organizer, race director, coach, trainer and the full array of suppliers and service providers who support our industry. Join the cause and lend your voice.
Editor’s Note: Be safe as we continue to navigate the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to follow the recommendations and updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including proper hygiene practices. Also consider reading iRunFar’s COVID-19: A Trail Running and Ultrarunning Community Guide.
