Becoming a Pro Ultramarathon Athlete: Key Strategies
I never imagined my dream of becoming a pro ultramarathon athlete would lead me to orchestrate a crazy run around Lanong. But that's exactly what I did. I targeted brands like Hoka and Salomon, hoping to turn my ambition into reality with their support. But watch out, the road to sponsorship isn't straightforward. I had to plan every detail, from live-streaming the event to managing endurance over 17 hours of running. If I can do it, so can you. But get ready: it's a marathon, not a sprint (and I speak from experience!).
Ever dreamed of turning your passion for running into a profession? I did. So I decided to take the plunge—literally—by planning an ultramarathon around Lanong. This wasn't just a 17-hour run; it was a statement. With brands like Hoka and Salomon in my sights, I knew I needed a strategy as bold as my dreams. So I orchestrated a live-streamed event to catch sponsors' eyes, and let me tell you, I got burned a few times along the way. But each mistake was a lesson. First, you need to target the right partners. Then, plan every step of the event meticulously. And finally, be ready to push beyond your limits. Let me walk you through how I did it and, importantly, how you can avoid my mistakes. Let's dive in!
Setting the Stage: My Ultramarathon Dream
Since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, but the idea of an ultramarathon truly captured my imagination. Why? Because it's the ultimate test of mental and physical resilience. Running for 17 hours is a serious commitment (and I'm not just talking about physical endurance). I chose Lanong for this adventure because the natural beauty of the place adds an extra layer of motivation. As I planned this project, I had to consider several elements: logistics, sponsorship acquisition, and how to capture attention with a live stream.
Targeting Sponsors: The Hoka and Salomon Strategy
For a project of this magnitude, sponsorship is crucial. Hoka and Salomon were my main targets, not only because they are icons in the trail world, but because I genuinely believe in their products. So I developed a strategy to approach them. First, I created a compelling pitch that tells my story and highlights how their support could help me achieve my goals. Sponsors look for athletes who not only perform but also share their values. I aligned my personal brand with their expectations, showing how I could be an effective ambassador for their brands.
- Identify brands aligned with my values.
- Create an engaging and authentic pitch.
- Align my personal image with sponsor expectations.
But watch out, you can't oversell. Sponsors want concrete, not just promises.
Running the Ultramarathon: Logistics and Execution
Planning a 3-day ultramarathon around Lanong was a real logistical challenge. I had to measure every aspect, from pacing to resource management. On the practical side, enduring 17 hours requires rigorous pace management. I've learned the hard way how easy it is to burn out by starting too fast. So I put in place a race strategy that includes planned breaks to recharge my batteries (literally and figuratively). Lessons from my previous races have taught me the importance of a good balance between effort and recovery.
Live Streaming the Event: Maximizing Publicity
The live stream was another key piece of my strategy. It needed to not only capture the essence of the race but also engage a global audience. I set up everything necessary for a seamless stream: cameras, backup batteries, and a reliable connection. However, the technical pitfalls were numerous. I had to juggle between race performance and audience interaction, a delicate dance between focus and engagement.
Reflecting on the Journey: Successes and Challenges
Reflecting on this experience allowed me to measure the success of my ultramarathon and sponsorship efforts. I overcame many challenges, notably managing energy over such a long race and balancing running with engaging the audience. These experiences have had a profound impact on my athletic career, strengthening my determination and opening new opportunities. My subsequent goal is to extend this strategy to other locations, continuing to build my reputation in the ultramarathon world.
In the end, this project was a crucial step towards realizing my dream. With sponsors like Hoka and Salomon, I am more determined than ever to continue this adventure. Next stop: the global ultramarathon circuit.
Turning dreams into reality is more than just ambition. Running this ultramarathon taught me a few things. First, meticulous planning is non-negotiable. Then, building strategic partnerships with brands like Hoka and Salomon can be a game changer. And above all, every step is a learning opportunity. For 17 hours, I ran not just to cross a finish line but to show what's possible with determination. Whether you want to attract sponsors or push your athletic limits, remember the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Ready to embark on your own ultramarathon journey or attract sponsors for your passion project? Share your thoughts and let's discuss strategies that work. For a deeper dive into this experience, check out the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXe-43cvmR8. Let's talk about it as driven colleagues!
Frequently Asked Questions
Thibault Le Balier
Co-fondateur & CTO
Coming from the tech startup ecosystem, Thibault has developed expertise in AI solution architecture that he now puts at the service of large companies (Atos, BNP Paribas, beta.gouv). He works on two axes: mastering AI deployments (local LLMs, MCP security) and optimizing inference costs (offloading, compression, token management).
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