The Chief Executive of Eightlane has expressed his anger at the "blatant theft" of one of their lead contributors by Runnerslife. Dave Norman has signed a lucrative deal with the Welsh based website- rumoured to be worth somewhere in the region of £3m spread over three years. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Sale Harriers man revealed that he had achieved a "life-long dream" by signing up. "I often used to look at the guys writing for Runnerslife and think how much I would like to be on here," beamed the marathoner, "I was so pleased to be asked. I jumped around the house for several hours."
However, Norman has left a good deal of damage in his wake. Furious Eightlane chiefs slammed the tactics of Runnerslife in securing their man. "They unsettled Dave with these approaches," said an insider, "I know that they have been after him for a while and I must admit I thought he was stronger than that....we are very disappointed." Of more concern for the popular running forum is the genuine feeling that Eightlane legend Luke Cragg could be on the verge of securing a switch of his own. "We are in advanced talks with another big name," said a Runnerslife source, "it is a very exciting time for our site." Eightlane have refused to comment on the rumours but have said that they will be looking at the legality of the Norman move. "We may yet report this to Offorum [the running forum watchdog]", continued our insider, "enough is enough. Runnerslife cannot keep getting away with these bully tactics."
Both sites have been criticised of late, with many pointing out that they are losing viewers fast in favour of the latest sensation to hit British athletics, Athleticos. "It is a desperate time for sites such as Runnerslife and Eigtlane," said a City source, "shares are plummeting and there just doesn't seem to be an appetite for this sort of thing anymore. They really do need to modernise, else the likes of Athleticos are going to clean up."