A lot of us will be car sharing within our clubs so its probably not as bad as it looks. If you look at the car park at events, plenty are turning up in twos at the least.
A lot of us will be car sharing within our clubs so its probably not as bad as it looks. If you look at the car park at events, plenty are turning up in twos at the least.
I think the athletes were generally car sharing where possible Ady - I know ours certainly did. I think the more local teams often have people who have other things on during the day so we had a couple of instances of people coming, running their leg and going but even they had others in their cars at some point.
I would suggest that there were a large amount of spectators following the race and that added quite some traffic at certain points of the race.
I've looked at using a minibus, it would be logistically a nightmare. Assuming 2 teams like we had this weekend.
Start at Leg 1 and drop the runners off and make you way to Leg 2 - OK so far.
Leg 2 runners set off - load up Leg 1 runners and proceed to the end of leg 2. Drop off Leg 3 runners.
Leg 2 A team runners set off approx 30 minutes before the B team runners - and then B team Leg 2 runners have to get on the minibus.
You would not make it to Leg 4 for the A runners to be in place.
So to use a minibus, you would probably need 2 minibuses working in tandem, or a minibus with a couple of support cars assuming 2 or 3 teams.
I agree that a lot more effort goes into sharing transport at relays as there is a lot more organising involved for the teams but fell relays are a tiny percentage of the race calender hence my post above.
I think info on the Relay website for spectators/supporters on good places to watch/park would be a good idea and perhaps ease congestion at places where parking is restrictive.
Future events cancelled
It is with regret that we have to announce that due to problems caused at this years event by runners leaving gates open despite our best efforts that United Utilities have withdrawn access permission for future events which means sadly that the 2011 event will be the last. The event website will remain in place for information purposes only until such time it will be closed down.
Many thanks for your help and support in the past and good running for the future
Graham Wright (Chairman) Rossendale Harriers
Just had this through - a real sickener for all those involved in the event I'm sure. I would hope Graham that there's still something can be done as the grounds for this would most likely have access isssues for many races and the public in general.
Was there a specific location that was the problem?
So much for us good folk loving and respecting the countryside - lets hope all those who saved vital seconds by not shutting gates, or because they were not last did not do so take responsibility
Sarah
That's bad news indeed. It's all well & good slagging people off for not closing gates, but where do you draw the line? I must admit if there's a runner in close(ish) view, say within 50 metres, & there's no livestock, then I'll leave the gate open, doesn't make it right I suppose though.
However, if I can't see anyone, even if I'm fairly sure there are people behind me in a race, then I'll always close the gate.
It's a real shame to lose the race, I quite enjoy it, a real social day out. Would the gate issue be mostly on Leg1, bearing in mind how many gates there are?
The race organiser has ever year been very clear - close the gates behind you, the race is now cancelled because runners did not - ergo the runners who did not close the gates are to blame.
Personally unless the runner is just behind you, and taking the gate as you leave it you should close it - 50metres is a considerable distance and how well did you check where the livestick is (an irrelevent point if you have been asked to close the gate, not just close the gates if you can see any sheep)
Closing the gate means those behind you have to open it, so it slows them down anyway
You're right - it's all my fault the race is cancelled & I apologise for that
In all seriousness though, you are right in what you say. If it really is that much of an issue then everyone should close gates regardless. Then the downside is it causes animosity amongst fellow runners; rather a cheery "thanks mate", you get a grunt & before you know it everyone's falling out - no simple answer that allows harmony unfortunately.
As for "how well did you check....." if in doubt it gets closed, simple as that. All I was saying was that certainly in my case there's no intention to cause issues (although I concede I may have contributed to it!), just to make it a bit easier for others.
Is it really the gate issue that's caused it, or is it just the straw that broke........?
There's been several issues over the last few years regarding traffic / parking / gates, & maybe it's just one step too far.
As per Whitton Park's post it is the withdrawing of permission to run across UU land due to the open gates according to the organiser
I agree its not an easy one, I do not close the gate if some-one is close and yes I have had grunts back, and at times grunted, but this race in particular has been explict about asking for gates to be closed, and now it seems we all get to loose it
The gate problem seems to be on leg 2 round the Cant Clough and Hurstwood resses.I ran this leg myself and with two teams close behind yes, we did leave these gates open, i guess other closely grouped teams would do the same...in which case the team with a big enough gap behind them should close the gate.Farther on in the race with no-one behind us we did ensure gates were closed.Originally Posted by alfa_scud
i've spoken to Leffty and apparently United Utilities have photographic evidence to back-up their claim.I realize what i'm about to say will come in for criticism,but having had to deal with this company in the past I got the impression that they would rather not have events taking place on 'their' land and would welcome an incident to halt future events.
Or am I getting cynical with old age?............
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