The ballots are open, and it’s time to rejoice the trailblazers of 2024 with the Path Runner of the Yr award. Hosted by trail-running media group Freetrail, TROY is again for its third version, and we’ve got all the things you must know to solid your vote. This 12 months, there’s much more to be enthusiastic about, with the addition of the Path Efficiency of the Yr (TPOY), recognizing probably the most jaw-dropping single feats of path racing.
The way it works
TROY was created in 2022 as a worldwide platform to honour elite path athletes by rating their performances throughout the racing season. The award considers all path performances collectively, from VKs (vertical kilometre) to 200-milers, and focuses on head-to-head competitors (excluding solo efforts, reminiscent of FKTs).
Not like conventional awards that are likely to concentrate on particular areas, TROY takes an inclusive, worldwide method to make sure one of the best athletes on the planet get their due. For Canadian followers, 2024 was one other banner 12 months, with standout ladies like Jazmine Lowther, Jade Belzberg and Marianne Hogan making waves. Can’t determine on only one? No drawback—voting lets you rank your high 10 for TROY (high 5 for TPOY), with recognition extending to runners-up.
How one can determine
Freetrail encourages voters to method their ballots with thoughtfulness and analysis, taking a more in-depth take a look at 4 key standards:
Depth of competitors: Who excelled within the hardest fields on the largest levels? Contemplate the calibre of opponents and the importance of the occasions.
Consistency: Reward athletes who delivered spectacular outcomes all through the season, balancing consistency with standout moments.
Versatility: This can be a distance-agnostic award—take into consideration who confirmed their prowess throughout completely different distances and terrains.
International perspective: Path operating spans continents and cultures. Try to acknowledge worldwide performances, even when you’re extra conversant in North American occasions.
Path Efficiency of the Yr
New for 2024, the Path Efficiency of the Yr (TPOY) highlights one of the best single-day achievements of 2024. Voters can rank the top-five performances for each women and men—and have the choice to vote for a similar athlete a number of occasions, when you really feel they really dominated on completely different days.
Submit your picks
Voting is open now at fantasy.freetrail.com and can shut at midday PST on Monday, Dec. 16. You’ll rank your high 10 athletes for each women and men, plus your choose for TPOY. Winners can be revealed, starting with tenth place, beginning on Jan. 1.