Local races for local people

[Clive]

In a discussion the other day, I heard the folowing statement about a race that filled up quickly "....and I'm local and even I didn't get in!"
My instant reply was "why do you think you should get a place just cos u is local?"

However after that, I pondered during the next few days, and whilst I'm on the fence at the moment, not for or against, just some thoughts to get our debating expertise going.

*Is it a good idea to have a certain % of big races that fill up quickly guaranteed for locals (by postcode or something like that)?
[traffic and local just like local food and locale]

*Is it a good idea to have a certain % limit by club entry for big races that fill up quickly (in other words, not loads from one club)?
[to enable different clubs entry and not a large % from just one club]

I can see both the +ves and the -ves, in fact I'm not sure whether any of these have ever happened or are indeed issues but guess I wanted to maybe start a debate......over to you.....

[Ady In Accy]

If the person concerned was that local and actively involved and serious about taking part then they would have made sure they got a place. A race on your doorstep is not a prerequisite for your guaranteed entry and I don't see why it should be.
If there is a 300 cap on numbers and the 1st 300 that enter are from just 5 clubs (very unlikely) then that's just the way it goes............

[biara]

Don't think it would be fair. It's up to the races but you can't 'force' people to race in their local race. My club KCAC regularly go on mass to certain local races and others further away if a club champs or a 'good' race. Last year quite a few went to lakeland country fair and to fairfield horseshoe, they were champs races for us.

I think if a local really wanted to do a local race, they'd get out and enter it. How many races really do fill up THAT fast and you don't know when entries open. I think its someone whinging. I've twice missed entries for Esholt 5k,its always a club champs race but I keep forgetting to enter, my mistake, I've just put it on my 'bucket list' and yes, most club members have told me its @@@@!!

[mr brightside]

Are you local...?

[stevefoster]

Are you local...?

It had to come to this, it was inevitable

[mr brightside]

It had to come to this, it was inevitable

I've spoilt the discussion and i'm deservedly red faced, but i couldn't help it

[Derby Tup]

Really interesting debate Not sure what I think about it mind. I just feel holding back places for 'local' runners or clubs would be wrong

In a discussion the other day, I heard the folowing statement about a race that filled up quickly "....and I'm local and even I didn't get in!"
My instant reply was "why do you think you should get a place just cos u is local?"

However after that, I pondered during the next few days, and whilst I'm on the fence at the moment, not for or against, just some thoughts to get our debating expertise going.

*Is it a good idea to have a certain % of big races that fill up quickly guaranteed for locals (by postcode or something like that)?
[traffic and local just like local food and locale]

*Is it a good idea to have a certain % limit by club entry for big races that fill up quickly (in other words, not loads from one club)?
[to enable different clubs entry and not a large % from just one club]

I can see both the +ves and the -ves, in fact I'm not sure whether any of these have ever happened or are indeed issues but guess I wanted to maybe start a debate......over to you.....

[stevefoster]

I've spoilt the discussion and i'm deservedly red faced, but i couldn't help it

Clive won't mind, he's a top bloke, and what does he expect with a thread title like that, a sensible debate, i'd better bugger off too mate

[Grouse]

I am local.
(I live in Royston Vasey)

[Ady In Accy]

I am local.
(I live in Royston Vasey)

Is that where that farm is in The Archers? Think they have a local fell race there around November time........?