June

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Hi MLCMM;

I'm not sure environmental impact is a major concern.

Compared to walkers, the number of people running these routes is very small. Where erosion is worse (Dales, Lake District etc) there are millions of walkers vs a few hundred races annually.

Then there's races on private land that only see a small footfall once a year. And compared to motorbikes, MTBs and horses it's less damaging.

For me they are a really important aspect of a healthy community and sporting culture.

I think grouse hunting and sheep farming are by far the biggest threat to our uplands. They leave them totally barren and cause major flooding in urban areas. Whilst serving a relatively small number of people. Change must come in the form of rewilding and a more diverse management of land. For the benefit of urban and rural communities.

But I may just be rationalising something I enjoy doing.

As always, be interested to hear your views.

No, that's probably all fair enough. No argument from me, I was just curious, as many of those environments look rather fragile. As you say, the  number of runners is probably tiny compared to the hikers, hunters and farmers. These issues are no different here, of course, but with a rather lower population.