This beautiful race usually attracts about 300 entries and this year over 1500 took part. In turn we are obliged to respect these runners and ensure all are treated correctly. We cannot give all individuals a vote but we welcome their federations as IAU Members and these federations will protect their interest. We cannot give all individuals a vote but when their federations do not choose to become IAU Members we welcome their National Ultrarunning Associations as IAU Members and we hope these associations will protect the interests of all runners in their countries. . We cannot give all individuals a vote but when their federations choose not to become IAU Members and when they have no national associations to speak for them then the IAU will have an IAAF representative on the Executive Council to see the rights of these individuals are protected.
Progress involves change.
Provisions are made in the Constitution for change but any journey starts with the first step and we hope that all will recognize on September 8th 2000 we will have taken an historic step in the correct direction. During the consultancy period our Constitutional plans were, generally, well received and the electoral process now becomes operational. Thank you all for the advice offered and acted upon.