The news of Camille Herron Wikipedia Controversy came as a shock to many in the Ultra Running community. For anyone who hasn't followed the news - essentially, the Canadian Running Magazine has published on September 23 an article in which they allege that Camille Herron and her husband / coach Conor Holt, have made hundreds of Wikipedia edits over many years which seemed to aim at minimizing other runners accomplishment while elevating Camille's profile. Of course, we only one side of the story at this time, but the overwhelming reception of the news has been extremely negative.

Overall, I'm mostly just sad and shock myself. This is a sad situation overall. I wasn't planning to discuss about this given this is everywhere anyway - but reflecting on the whole situation and why this is happening - I feel there is a bigger question and issue related to where trail and ultra running is growing that is worth a dialogue. Something that goes much beyond today's story or Camille.

If we go back to today's story - the Wikipedia edits were widely regarded as petty and self-promoting. These occurred over many years (as early as 2017). Moderators at Wikipedia have had given several warnings to the user (which tracks to Camille and Conor's IP and social media/emails). Those private warnings were ignore until a first account was banned. Shortly afterwards, another account was made. This is an important piece to me, as it seems there was good will in trying to resolve the issue without a need to expose anyone or make a bigger story. But since the behavior continued, there was a need to step up.

The nature of the edit were considered fairly petty. It's not a crime or a big deal, but does reflect poorly on how an elite runners was treating others. For example, there were edits on Kilian Jornet, Courtney Dauwalter, Yiannis Kouros. Edits include for example removing language on Courtney's page such as "widely considered on of the best trail and ultra runner of all time" with the argument to be “removing puffery.” But in parallels, adding similar language on Camille's page "She is widely regarded as one of the greatest ultramarathon runners of all time".

Overall, this alleged behavior is in contrast with the more typical supportive nature of the trail and ultra running community - including elite runners. People are understandably frustrated and disappointed with the situation.

But beyond the story itself, I think this is a symptom of a bigger issue. As the sport is rapidly growing and evolving, there is an increase in sponsorship, and an increased in number of people for whom running is their livelihood. This create an immense pressure to perform and differentiate yourself from other. I think this can be done in a healthy way, but it also increases the risk of innappropriate behavior. Editing wikipedia is ultimately fairly minor. It's petty. It's wrong. But it's not the end of the world. But what about other behavior, such as being toxic to other runners? Or what about potentially increasing the risk of cheating and doping in trail and ultra running as elite runner are under increasing pressure to perform?

I care about the wellbeing of all here - I care about the well being of elite runners, including Camille. And we need to ask oursevles - is the environment created by the increased pressure to perform by sponsor healthy on the long run? Would it be possible to shift the focus on sponsorsing people solely on speed and victory - and instead also factor character, reputation, and overall impact on the running community?

I know this isn't my usual type of video, but I hope you appreciate this reflection on our sport. I'm curious to hear in the comments below what you think about all that. As mentioned in the video, this is NOT meant to be a Camille bashing forum - we can be upset, sad, angry, disappointed - but we can do so in a respectful manner and would kindly ask you to be considerate in your comments.

As always - Thanks for watching and remember -

Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!

Simon