ZACH MILLER & UTMB: Latest personal reflections 24JAN.

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on January 25, 2024 in kilian jornet, trail running spain, UTMB, zach miller | 2 Comments

ZACH MILLER & UTMB: Latest personal reflections 24JAN. Our UTMB section brings us the latest news on Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller’s letter about UTMB.

Last December 20th, Zach Miller published a constructive criticism on negative points of the evolution of UTMB, in his own handwriting. Later, on 9ENE a rumor spread on social networks that Zach Miller with Kilian Jornet, had issued a letter to world elite runners proposing to group together to run in another corporate event.

PUEDES LEER EL ARTÍCULO COMPLETO EN ESPAÑOL. ZACH MILLER UTMB REUNION 23ENE

Photo AvernoTrail

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On December 20, Zach Miller shared constructive criticism about aspects he considered negative in the evolution of UTMB, expressing his opinions directly. We considered that this text was of interest and we published it in its entirety for all of you on our website, Carrerasdemontana. You can find the full content below.

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A post shared by Zach Miller (@zachmiller38)

Later, on January 9, a rumor emerged on social media that Zach Miller and Kilian Jornet had sent a letter to world elite runners proposing to join together to participate in another corporate competition, without specifying which one.

Yesterday we told you about Kilian Jornet’s reflections on the meeting he held with UTMB on January 23. And today this is Zach Miller’s publication in which he also confirms having written the letter together with Kilian, and makes a series of reflections after the meeting with UTMB.

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A post shared by Zach Miller (@zachmiller38)

Many of you have probably seen the statements released by @utmbmontblanc , @francesco.puppi , and @kilianjornet in regard to our discussion about UTMB. I want to start by thanking everyone for coming together in this way. And now, I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts as well.

Last December, when I made a post about UTMB on social media, a lot of people reached out to me. One of those people was Kilian. In speaking with him, we found that we had similar concerns about UTMB. Our discussions lead to an email that we sent to a select group of elite athletes. Of course, I value the support and thoughts of all athletes, but in an effort to keep things manageable, we sent our email to this select group.

The email asked the runners if they would be interested in racing each other at an event other than UTMB, as Kilian and I feel that an elite athlete’s presence at, or absence from an event is one of their greatest tools for expressing how they feel about something and advocating for change. The email also asked athletes for their thoughts and opened up a lane of communication.

What has resulted is some positive discussion amongst the recipients of the email, as well as a lot of internet chatter. Generally I think this is a good thing, as it is important that people talk. If we don’t do this, how do we make any progress in life?

Yesterday, Kilian, Francesco, and I were able to have a conversation with UTMB. They listened to what we had to say. We listened to what they had to say. It was a good first step and I am grateful for it.

The next step is to take action. Kilian and I are not here only for conversation. We are here for change. UTMB has expressed to us that they are working for the good of the trail running community. It is our hope that we can work with them to find a positive way forward.

Talking is indeed an action, and I am grateful for this first step, but in running we take not one stride, but many. So here’s to the next actionable step. Let’s help each other finish the race!