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Athletes Commission

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) Athletes Comission is managed by the  Council member John Bowden (NZL), and it is a group of current elite athletes who will help guide Mountain Running.

Taken a significant stride towards inclusive decision-making and athlete representation with the establishment of the Athletes Commission. This body aims to bridge the gap between the WMRA Council and international athletes, ensuring their perspectives, expertise, and concerns are at the forefront of discussions and decisions related to mountain running.

WHAT IS THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION PURPOSE?

  • To ensure that the Council of the WMRA can benefit from the perspective and expertise of past and current international athletes in its deliberations and decision making.
  • To provide international athletes with a formal mechanism for ensuring that their views on important matters are heard by the WMRA Council

WHAT IS THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP?

The Commission membership shall comprise of up to 12 members* elected in accordance with the criteria and election procedures.

*Due to COVID-19 and the not possibility of cellebrating elections in WMTRC 2022 in Thailand,the WMRA Council decided to accept all nominations until elections will be held on September 2025, for that reason the new selected Athletes Commission in 2023 is formed by 16 athletes. After elections in 2025, the Commision will be again reduced to 12 members.

WHAT ARE THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION DUTIES?

  • At all times make decisions and provide advice based on the best interests of the discipline of mountain running 
  • To bring matters to the WMRA Council for discussion and or recommendation via the stated Council liaison person (currently John Bowden) 
  • Where requested, provide feedback and guidance on relevant matters to the WMRA Council. 
  • Proactively help provide an open two-way communication channel between the WMRA Council and international athletes. 
  • It is not envisaged that the Athletes Commission will need to physically meet, rather that it will work via electronic means. 
  • At all times, act in a manner which best represents the spirit of mountain running.

HOW ARE THE COMMISSION MEMBERS ELECTIONS?

  • Election of Commission Members All athletes who have competed in a senior WMRA Championship or WMTRC short trail championship within the last 10 years can apply to be a member of the Athletes Commission
  • At least 50% of the Athletes Commission members will have competed in a senior WMRA Championship or WMTRC in the last two years.
  • No more than 2 athletes per country may serve on the Athletes Commission at any one time. 
  • Athletes will serve for a period of four years.
  • Commission members may stand for a second term if they still meet the eligibility criteria. 
  • The formal election procedures will be administered by the WMRA and will consist of election via voting at the biannual WMTRC Championships or another suitable time with as a minimum:
    • Call for applicants in advance via WMRA outlets and Member Federations 
    • Applicants to submit the EOI form which will outline their suitability for the role and their commitment to assisting the WMRA develop the sport of mountain running. 
    • Voting to be conducted at the biannual WMTRC Championships or by email/zoom etc.

WHO ARE THE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE ATHLETES COMISSION?

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