into ultra was formed by a small group of ultrarunners who enjoy ‘going long’ and the benefits it brings:
- physical and mental well-being
- sense of community
- new friends
- more confidence
- and we’ve even had some fun
However, for many there are barriers to getting into ultrarunning. One of these is money: the cost of race entry fees, coaching, equipment and travel can be too expensive for many. That's reflected in the start line in many races: lower income groups are under-represented. As too are female and ethnic groups.
into ultra its aimed at improving diversity and inclusion to UK ultra running, by covering costs for runners who are under-resourced and under-represented in the sport.
into ultra has access to a small fund to help those unable to afford ultrarunning by providing financial support or access to free/discounted support. We are currently in a 'prototype' stage: in time we hope that into ultra will have a broad base of donors and supporters and be established with charitable status so that we can provide more support to more people. For now we are relying on the small fund to test out the idea and see how it best works.
We are trying to provide assistance in an inclusive and sustainable way.