…and subsequent “backlash” (although it seems like most folks are okay with the new changes) has been pretty entertaining to watch over the last 18+ hours since I’ve discovered the news.

Basically, go here for the full breakdown: Western States makes changes

Here’s a great piece on the changes as well, from a British runner named Tim Lambert: A Moment of Panic…Western States 2015

As far as “backlash” is concerned, the only real issues I’ve seen are people complaining on NorCal Ultras’ Facebook page (re: already signing up for and paying for races like the 2014 American River 50) and a little bit on the UltraList (re: there’s not a whole lot of qualifiers in the Northeast or upper Midwest).

Interesting to see how all this will play out…