Blog # 5

My YouTube results were free from commercialization and were mainly homemade clips. The top result which I linked in this post is an armature clip. The clip was created by Park City TV. I assume there is not much content commercial because of the difficulty of the sport and the typical age of a trail runner based off my observation is 35 to 50 years old. Many trail runners are x marathon runners who became tired of road running and are looking for a challenge. The content in the clips are short bios or how to run with some tips thrown in.

 The commercial market has not latched on to trail runners just yet and that is why the content is mostly home made clips. I also mentioned the average age of trail runners being higher than most athletes in many other sports. I think the older age group is less concerned with making trail running videos to promote the sport and more concerned with trail running. As a matter of fact one of the nations largest and most popular trail runs happens every year right here in Utah. I bet you have never heard of it. It is called the Squaw Peak 50. The average age of competitors this last year was 32.

These videos are serving a small purpose for the sport but I do not think the clips on YouTube have influenced the sports culture at all, simply because there are not enough people doing the sport for commercial internists to take hold and promote the sport. I do however; think the purpose of the clips serves a quick crash course for somebody who may be considering trail running for the first time and searches YouTube before they embark on a maiden voyage or beginners who might want some tips on gear or methods.

Ultimately there has been a growing interest in trail running because many of the "Extreme" races such as the Dirty Dash, Spartan Race and many other such races that feature trail running for the main event. I believe by this avenue the sport will achieve much of its popularity in the future.  I have embedded a link for a Spartan race. Competitors essentially trail run through rough terrain from obstacle to obstacle.

Park city TV trail running clip.

Spartan Race.

So this is going to sound lame but I can not figure out how to embed the videos into my blog post. Any help would be great :)