UltraSignup forums

It’d be great to have a place to discuss races/ultra running with other runners, race directors, etc. Besides the LetsRun forums, which has its own set of problems, and is focused mainly around track and field, there isn’t really a place avalable to connect with likeminded individuals.

I would really like to hear more reviews on races. Some look great but end up being terrible because there is so little information about them and vice versa. There are some hidden gem races that are ignored because no one reviews them.

Could you share some additional things you would like to see in a Forum and/or some things you would like us to avoid? I’ve noted the request for reviews of races. That’s something we’re definitely thinking about. Also, if there are forums that are working well for others here, please share what those are and what you like/dislike about them. Thank you!

Trail Sisters has their own social media platform called “Communities”. It isn’t perfect but it is an option for those who are not on social media. Each local group has their own subgroup as well as some general groups. Ultrasignup could have different groups like “New to Trail Racing”, “Ultras”, different distances (26.2, 50k, 100k, 100, over 100, Multi-day, Fixed Time), crewing, etc..

Race organizers/companies could pay a fee (?) to have their own group where people can interact and discuss races. For example, Aravaipa (AZ) or Go Beyond Racing (OR) would have their own group that people could join.

Communities also has an events calendar for each group but I think there could be one general calendar (like the one on runningintheusa.com) The calendar could be populated by the races that are on listed on UltraSignUp. It also another opportunity for RDs to promote their races. The event page could have a link to the groups that are applicable. For example, Javelina Jundred could link to the 100 mile, 100k, and Aravaipa groups.

hi @Jase -One forum I think most people are familiar with is LetsRun. What they do well: live coverage/posts of events, highly active user based, simple UI, no topic is off-limits

What they don’t do well: moderation, it’s mostly anonymous, so there’s a lot of ∗∗∗∗-posting and hot takes. mainly focused on collegiate running/global marathon events (think the majors)

I think ultrasignup has great potential for self-hosted forums; user profiles could be tied to existing profiles that include race history to foster trust/credibility, people are already on the site a lot browsing races, looking at results, etc. A forum could add a place of discussion for past/present/upcoming races (these could even be auto generated). There’s a big community of not just runners but race directors and volunteers that could benefit from having a platform to talk about and possibly promote races. Gear/race reviews, training questions, pacer/carpool requests, etc. The possibilities really are endless imo.