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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: NeilC on 09:25:48, 21/01/18

Title: Too many races and events?
Post by: NeilC on 09:25:48, 21/01/18
Just come back from a jaunt in the Brecon Beacons and yet again ran into a endurance race. This one was a Special Forces Experience with guys doing an SAS style Fan Dance thing with heavy packs and weighted pipes for guns. Looked bloody hard.


In my last 8 trips I've run into these events on the Ridgeway (twice in a  row) the Lake District and the Beacons. Either I'm unlucky or there are flipping loads of them.


I'm all for encouraging people to get out but is it possible there are just too many of these things. Seems its getting like Park Run where local parks are flooded with 100s of wheezing runners every weekend.


And yes I am a miserable old sod.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:00:42, 22/01/18
Is it just capitalism in action, people just trying to earning some money, or raising money for a charity? I've walked through a few, I much prefer walking into them that them pounding up behind me. I was able to do a good deed for two ladies on Offas Dyke, they were terrified to walk (it was uphill) through a herd of cows so I escorted them. Whayt a nice man!
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Owen on 10:31:53, 22/01/18
Just come back from a jaunt in the Brecon Beacons and yet again ran into a endurance race. This one was a Special Forces Experience with guys doing an SAS style Fan Dance thing with heavy packs and weighted pipes for guns. Looked bloody hard.


Having done the real thing (over thirty years ago I should add) all I can say is "the mind boggles".
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 11:09:56, 22/01/18
Just come back from a jaunt in the Brecon Beacons and yet again ran into a endurance race. This one was a Special Forces Experience with guys doing an SAS style Fan Dance thing with heavy packs and weighted pipes for guns. Looked bloody hard.



 If you see them again can you make sure they know about an event I am organising in June.

SAS 100 Brecon Beacons.

 
Full combat fatigues and webbing to be worn at all times,including army issue  boots.

 Pack weight:150lb,including half a dead sheep and bricks.A plastic rifle must be carried at all times,(available from Toys r Us).

 If its not raining contestants will have a bucket of cold water emptied over them at the halfway point to make it even dafter.

 All contestants must wear face masks at all times.This is to avoid being identified by employers and friends who may pour ridicule on them.

 All finishers will receive a finishers plastic SAS badge and a T-shirt bearing the slogan "SAS-are you dumb enough?".

 Entry fee:£500 if paid before 1 st March or £650 after.Sorry,but due to the demand we are no longer able to take entries on the day.No refunds as the facilities are expensive to hire and we need to make a good profit as the race director has put down a deposit on a new Porsche. ;)

 

 
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 11:24:37, 22/01/18
You know something the skepticism on this topic is mind-blowing.

 As a country we are suffering from an epidemic of obesity and other lack of exercise related illnesses. We are being urged to take more exercise. Not everyone is up to lone walking, Long Distance walks, etcetera.

If these folks are getting out there and exercising in a way that suits them then they should be applauded. Yes they cost a bit, but don't kid yourselves. Look at the money you spend on the latest breathable yet waterproof jacket for winter as well as your summer weight one, not to mention the boots etc. All profits from which help buy the CEO his Porsche, whilst paying staff minimum wages and robbing their pension pots.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Sloth on 12:15:39, 22/01/18
All it will take is a couple of the dropping from dehydration and hyperthermia in the summer and they will all be banned! If the SAS can lose people on exercise in the Beacons the mind boggles at weekend warriors doing this.

Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: NeilC on 12:27:20, 22/01/18

Not everyone is up to lone walking, Long Distance walks, etcetera.



But they are capable of tabbing 24KM up and down Pen Y Fan, twice, carrying a 45lb pack? Or running 86 miles along the Ridgeway? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me.


We've got an obesity epidemic because people eat too much calorific food and don't move around much in their daily lives. It's not for lack of endurance marathons.


I don't have a problem with these challenges per se, even the ones where bond traders feel the need wear camo gear and pretend they're in the SAS. It's the sheer number of them in certain areas I'm moaning about.


I did 5 mins googling for endurance, challenge etc events in the Brecons and got this:



5 Jan
6 Jan
1th feb
20th Jan
2lst Jan
5th may
18th may
20th may
2nd june
3rd June
4th june
23 june
7 july
8 july
14 july
5th august
6th oct
7 oct
17 nov


There will be quite a few more but I got bored. Some days have multiple events from different organisers by the looks of it.


I think the numbers are getting a bit out of the control myself.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 12:55:41, 22/01/18
And every single day of the year many people are out walking in the same or similar areas. Ban one lot and don't be surprised when LDW is also banned.

To go out with a load of mates for a marathon or endurance run is understandable.  Just look at the entrance fee for the Spine race. Then look at the interest in that on this forum.

They cause the same amount of harm as walkers.( Which is zero) They may pay entry fees, that is up to them. So why the prejudice?

Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: NeilC on 13:13:25, 22/01/18
And every single day of the year many people are out walking in the same or similar areas. Ban one lot and don't be surprised when LDW is also banned.

To go out with a load of mates for a marathon or endurance run is understandable.  Just look at the entrance fee for the Spine race. Then look at the interest in that on this forum.

They cause the same amount of harm as walkers.( Which is zero) They may pay entry fees, that is up to them. So why the prejudice?


I've not mentioned banning all of them. I'm suggesting limiting the numbers. You clearly don't find the (incomplete) list of them I posted, just in the Beacons alone, to be too many. I think it's a bit silly myself and is likely to grow.


Actually walkers and runners cause a lot erosion which costs the park authorities millions to sort out - hence the massive stone paths you now get up most well-known peaks. That's fine as that's their job but it's not free. I don't know if scores of events with hundreds of competitors makes much of a difference or not. I suspect it makes some.


The "prejudice" is that it kills some of the reasons to go out there - to get away from the madding crowd, to experience a bit of nature, a bit of quiet etc. One man's meat is another's poison. Meeting some walkers or fell runners on a jaunt and saying hi is not the same as running into 200 people all coming down the same path over a period of hours.
My last walk along the ridgeway was all but spoiled with 2 days worth of people running and walking past, saying excuse me, saying hi (I'm polite and feel the need to say it back but after the first 60 people it really wears thin), people with no intention of altering their path. That's not why I went. So it spoils my own selfish reasons for going. What they want, takes away from what I want. And if what I want takes away from what they want, they are free to moan about it too. The odd race is fine. The numbers we're at and heading to now are too much in my opinion.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 13:29:09, 22/01/18
OK I see where you're coming from. And I also note from your last two sentences that my perception of your intolerance stems from your personal reasons for walking, rather than a personal vendetta against the "organisers".   

My personal prejudice is against the guys who could never have been passed an army medical pretending to be SAS /RMC type Bushcraft heroes on YouTube and the like. I have an easy solution to my problem, the switch on the wall. Yours is more difficult to deal with, I think.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: NeilC on 13:38:25, 22/01/18
OK I see where you're coming from. And I also note from your last two sentences that my perception of your intolerance stems from your personal reasons for walking, rather than a personal vendetta against the "organisers".   

My personal prejudice is against the guys who could never have been passed an army medical pretending to be SAS /RMC type Bushcraft heroes on YouTube and the like. I have an easy solution to my problem, the switch on the wall. Yours is more difficult to deal with, I think.


Don't get me wrong - I do find these SAS type events a bit tedious too with stockbrokers and life coaches in their camo gear playing at soldiers, although I'm secretly impressed that anyone can put themselves through such a thing just for kicks.


My solution is going to have to be to stay off the beaten track and to check the dates online. I was stupid enough to meet the same ultramarathon 2 years running on the Ridgeway lol! Trouble is, this little island of ours has too many people and not enough space. I'm going to California this year and looking at the maps with envy - they have vast areas of wilderness. The whole state could out there full time and you'd be unlikely to find them.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 14:38:29, 22/01/18
 My comments,said firmly tongue-in-cheek,were aimed at all the hype surrounding special forces rather than people taking exercise.Let's give this special forces experience another description.How about spending a day on a Welsh hill dressed in a secondhand army uniform without insignia and carrying a very heavy pack that will most likely chaff you and run up and down a few hills.To make it even more difficult you will have to carry a piece of piping filled with concrete.When you have finished you will get a cup of tea and can then make your way home.That is a description of what it really is but how many takers would it attract? Add the special forces hype to it and give people a badge and certificate and you get plenty of takers.

 I might add that selection to both 21 and 23 SAS is open to anyone providing they meet the entry requirements.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: phil1960 on 15:03:49, 22/01/18
I just avoid the central Beacons full stop, great walking but I’d rather avoid the crowds
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: pauldawes on 15:51:50, 22/01/18


I don't have a problem with these challenges per se, even the ones where bond traders feel the need wear camo gear and pretend they're in the SAS. It's the sheer number of them in certain areas I'm moaning about.



I don’t have a “problem” at all.


I do sometime have a “tinge of concern” when somebody who doesn’t do a fair bit of walking goes straight in for a challenge such as three peaks, whatever.


I just don’t think it’s a great introduction to a wonderful hobby. I imagine that most of the people that do it, grit their teeth, get it done...and think “never again”. Hope I’m wrong.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Islandplodder on 19:19:41, 22/01/18

I keep thinking that when I see the size of the rucksacks people on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions carry.  I was out with my brother and he asked me whether that was part of the challenge.
You do notice that the posh schools manage to come up with much lighter kit, but I think that a couple of nights of no sleep and an enormous pack  would have put me off for life!
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: rural roamer on 19:37:40, 22/01/18
We’re hoping to do the National Three Peaks this year over 3 separate holidays. But as we want to avoid the “challenges” at the weekends that’s going to mean taking more time off work.  I really don’t want to be amongst crowds of non walkers which I fear we would be.
No problem with DofEers, I did it myself rather a long time ago!  ;D
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 22:54:56, 22/01/18

I don’t have a “problem” at all.


I do sometime have a “tinge of concern” when somebody who doesn’t do a fair bit of walking goes straight in for a challenge such as three peaks, whatever.


I just don’t think it’s a great introduction to a wonderful hobby. I imagine that most of the people that do it, grit their teeth, get it done...and think “never again”. Hope I’m wrong.


^^^ this  O0


I'm of the thoughts that these organised events and challenges aren't "done" by regular walkers, per se, and the hills and countryside certainly wouldn't be "enjoyed" by the competitors who are probably more focussed on the competitive element (be that achieving a personal best or beating joe or jane blogs in front of them, or simply gritting their teeth and "getting through it" for a good charitable cause).


"it's walking jim, but not as we know it..."  (read to the tune of starrrrr trekking across the universe)


Personally, even though these events have turned into commercialised, money spinning hype, I don't mind coming across people doing these events - it's always a good opportunity to stop for a rest whilst I let them pass  ;D   .... after all.... I'm out on the hills for pleasure..... but are they?



Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: barewirewalker on 10:57:47, 23/01/18
Personally I couldn't care how many there are, if there are too many they will fail in the purpose intended. I get a bit P ed off, with the walking press, who try to make column inches out of them yet fail miserably to even get column mm out of Local Access Forum, the CLA's policy towards walking, Corruption of the Definitive  Map, new road plans that cut across old and new cross country routes, Local Authorities who cannot see that new housing plans should also think about getting the residents to where they can exercise.


And many more too boring issues that so called "professional writers/editors" cannot turn into a captivating story. By all means [censored]*** of and do the 3 peaks, forget (OH, no you do not know about them) 3 tumps or are they humps, spaced across south Shropshire, trapped in "Private Land", perfectly spaced to make a real challenge. Even though they have iron age remains on them.


Funny how many get so wound up about trivia, but when it takes a bit of thinking to see the real issue it's BOOOOOOOOOOOOORIIIIIING.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Oxenhoper on 23:23:16, 09/02/18
A public right of way is just what it says.  People have a right to use it, for whatever purpose they choose. 
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Addingham on 04:38:44, 10/02/18
A public right of way is just what it says.  People have a right to use it, for whatever purpose they choose.


Agreed. ;)  Start trying to ban legal activities leads to a very slippery slope. IMHO
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 09:53:09, 10/02/18
Looks like Liverpool is taking the lead and charging for business use of local parks.At the moment they are talking about a fee of £150 per year for a permit.Park-run and dog walkers will be exempt.One hundred and fifty pounds seem a bit low as some of these personal trainers are earning £50 per hour.I feel a minimum fee of £500 per year would be more realistic as its still cheap rent and rates for using taxpayer funded facilities.Parks were never intended to be free business premises so its about time action was taken against these fitness training cowboys.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 09:56:59, 10/02/18

...Start trying to ban legal activities leads to a very slippery slope. IMHO  


I've obviously missed some now deleted posts somewhere .... I see no mention of anyone "wanting" to "ban" these events  ???   .... just the OP having a bit of an offload and a moan about the amount of events there are nowadays.

Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Oxenhoper on 10:17:02, 10/02/18
There was a suggestion of "limiting the numbers".  At some level, that is going to involve telling some people that they cannot use a particular right of way on a particular day.


There are plenty of landowners who would love to be able to tell people that numbers are limited, and that the limit has been reached, so "Get off my land!". 


Be careful what you wish for.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:37:15, 10/02/18
Its big money for the organisers.
Road racing or specially organised mountain events, now cost serious amounts of money to enter.
A few years ago, a friend asked me whether i wanted to accompany them to Liverpool, to take part in the annual Mersey Tunnel 10k.
Apart from the pollution, it sounded like a fun idea, until i realised the entry fee was £46, not including the fuel and £10 parking fee when one got there.


Many competitors would have had to book accommodation as well, on top of all this, yet the considerable expense of these organised events, does not appear to be putting people off.


Call me mean, or a narrow minded, but spending £60 or more, with little in return, other than a very cheap medal or tee shirt, for your efforts, its not good value, and that's only for one race of possibly many throughout the year.

This is only one race, and most races he competes in cost a minimum of £40-60 to enter, and he sees nothing untoward about it.

Thousands of other like minded runners think £40+ represents great value, for very little in return.

Its no surprise that professionally organised races, be it on road or mountainside, are becoming too numerous, it represents huge revenue, once the logistical aspects of holding the race have been paid for.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: RubberSoul on 16:38:10, 10/02/18

In my last 8 trips I've run into these events on the Ridgeway (twice in a  row) the Lake District and the Beacons. Either I'm unlucky or there are flipping loads of them.



...The same thing be said about walkers, hikers etc. In some places they are flooded with hikers too. Non-walking types might say the same thing about you! The hills and lakes aren't for just one particular type of enthusiast surely.

Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: BuzyG on 20:26:19, 10/02/18
I have climbed Pen Y Fan twice 37 years apart.  The first time I was training in the armed services.  We saw not one other person the entire weekend up there. It was foggy mind.  The second was last year, with my son.  It was a total Turkey shoot, 50+ people on the summit, despite being -14 wind chill that day.  I'm sticking to Dartmoor and Scotland now.  There are still some quiet places out there.  :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Oxenhoper on 21:16:48, 10/02/18
Perhaps landowners should emulate train companies by charging a fee for the use of rights of way across their land.  There would be an exorbitant fee that you would have to pay if you turned up on the day but, by booking in advance, you could pay much less.  The fee could even vary depending on the time of day.


The ascent of Scafell Pike or Snowdon might command an on-the-day fee of around £250.  The three peaks of the Yorkshire Dales might be worth, say, £100 each, or £195 for the three.  A hill such as Oxenhope Stoop (SD 99380 34660) probably wouldn't fetch much more than a tenner during daylight hours.


It would certainly limit the numbers!


Damn it, I could even charge people who live further up the street to exercise their right of passing and re-passing over my land when going to and from their houses.  It needn't be unreasonable: £1 per person per passage would seem fair.   
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Addingham on 05:22:08, 11/02/18


I've obviously missed some now deleted posts somewhere .... I see no mention of anyone "wanting" to "ban" these events  ???   .... just the OP having a bit of an offload and a moan about the amount of events there are nowadays.


The title of the thread says it all. ;D Too many races and events? (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35861.msg513275#msg513275)


How would you curtail them? A ban. :-X
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: phil1960 on 07:29:24, 11/02/18
It surprises me when someone mentions the Brecon Beacons, how many people say oh I’ve been up Pen y Fan, as if that’s all there is. It’s my back yard and is some 530 odd square miles, plenty of places to get away from the lemmings  ;)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 08:11:14, 11/02/18

The title of the thread says it all. ;D Too many races and events? (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35861.msg513275#msg513275)


How would you curtail them? A ban. :-X


Ahh, you see, I read the heading as a question (due to the question mark at the end) ...as in "(are there) too many races and events?"  That and this in the opening post ..


....is it possible there are just too many of these things....


 
That's why I thought some posts had been deleted ... no mention of looking for a solution.... a ban   :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 10:46:45, 11/02/18
Its a shame someone does not resurrect the famous South Wales Marathon Walk,  a traverse of the seven highest peaks in the entire Brecon Beacons, starting with Pen Y Gadair Fawr and finishing on Carmarthen Van.
It started or finished in either Capel y Fin, or Llandeausant near llandovery.

A distance just slightly over fifty miles, and even though its a walk too far for most walkers,  it would make a superb weekend for a fit party.

I completed it nine times, and boy do i miss the event, well organised by Chris Barber and the Gwent Mountaineering Club.

If someone restarted that walk, i would be amongst the first entrant.

One superb way of seeing everything that the whole Beacons National Park has on offer.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 10:58:14, 11/02/18



If someone restarted that walk, i would be amongst the first entrant.

One superb way of seeing everything that the whole Beacons National Park has on offer.

 http://www.beaconsultra.com/race-entry
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: phil1960 on 13:59:08, 11/02/18
http://www.beaconsultra.com/race-entry (http://www.beaconsultra.com/race-entry)
I’m not a big fan of such events, but let me know you’re entry number DA and I’ll come and cheer you on  :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:55:54, 11/02/18
If someone restarted that walk, i would be amongst the first entrant.

Well, no excuses now, your wish has been granted  O0

Looking forward to your progress and of course the photos/video
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 15:17:23, 11/02/18
Yep giving a bit of support will justify a day or so out. Looking forward to it Dyffryn, thanks for the opportunity fora trip down to Wales.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 16:32:00, 11/02/18
Brilliant stuff DA  :)   


Hopefully there will be a live tracker like with the Spine race so those that can't get out there to support you can dot watch your progress and post very regular updates on here.  You'll have to let us know your competitor/entry number.


Oh, I'm so excited  :D   Apart from Slogger, I've not known anyone else active on the forum take part in a challenge event.


Go DA. Go  O0
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: rural roamer on 16:41:30, 11/02/18
Whoops, need to be careful what we say on this forum!  ;D
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Slogger on 17:10:24, 11/02/18
I don't know about many of the other ultra events that take place, however i assume that they follow a similar procedure as the organisers of the Spine Race. These events charge hefty fees for taking part, however with their increasing popularity is evident that many people want to do them. Chances are that oif they weren't doing the event they would be running or walking elswhere.
The Spine Race takes place with the full consultation and blessing of the PW National trail officer with whom the organisers consult. Due to the very wet conditions beforehand this year there, at the request of said officer, several diversions took competitors away from series of fields and along country lanes instead.
Part of the entry fees that the organisers collect goes towards the generous donations they make to the PW National Trail and Mountain rescue teams.
Another aspect is the amount of business these races bring to often quiet villages. The normally (pre Spine) quiet village of Edale and surrounding accomodation are booked out the weekend of the event and the once empty pubs are full to busting, having to draft in extra staff to cope. I wonder if they would be complaining.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 19:12:42, 11/02/18
The last South Wales Marathon walk, took place in 1998 or there abouts, and unlike the Beacons Ultra, was a walk, and anyone trying to run it, or break into a canter, was heavily frowned upon.
The organisation was superb, accommodation and all food was provided,  and the local Brecon scouts group, used to set up camp every year, and prepare breakfast for everyone, when we all reached Usk bridge, if the route started at Capel Y fin,  or the Pont Y Daf carpark, if it had started at Llandeusant.

The event started as long ago as 1947, when seven members of the Gwent Mountaineering club, set off on the 17 May from Llandeusant's Red Lion Inn, and took in the seven highest peaks in the entire National Park.

As Capel Y Fin youth hostel, was on a direct line with the descent from Pen Y Gadair Fawr in the Black Mountains above Llanthony, it was decided to use that as a permanent base.

I think the only reason the very well established event came to an end,  was because of the closure of Capel Y Fin youth Hostel, otherwise, it would still be going strong.

As a long weekend route, i recon it cannot be surpassed in the the whole of South Wales.

The regular faces you met every year, was pure magic,   oh what a shame Capel Y fin closed.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 19:17:47, 11/02/18

Sod that boring nonsense.  We want to know all about your training plan for for this 'ere event you've nominated yourself for  :)

We're all rooting for you DA  O0



Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 19:23:07, 11/02/18
You must all be mistaken, i am not taking part in the Brecon Ultra, Tonyk has got mixed up with his events.
Someone ( Tonyk) has mistakenly confused the South Wales Marathon Walk, which was one of the longest running continuous running Challenge Event in the Uk, until its demise in 1997 or 8, with the Brecon Ultra.

Their totally separate events.

Its the South wales Marathon walk i would love to do again,  not this probably overpriced Brecons Ultra.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 19:28:29, 11/02/18
Gutted  :(


If you want to do the South Wales Marathon Walk again, why not organise it yourself.  Sounds like you know the route well enough, having completed it 9 times.  You could post it as a weekend forum meet  O0



Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Murphy on 19:58:48, 11/02/18
 :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 20:04:49, 11/02/18
The organisation would be far too complex and difficult, for a single individual to take on.
Mr Chris Barber had around seven assistants who he could rely on come what may, every single year, two of them, Mr Sandy Waring, the then Gp in Crickhowell, took annual leave to help with medical assistance for the event.
Two qualified Doctors, constant communication with the main Beacons Mountain rescue service, as well as being able to block book both Youth hostels.

I would love to give the walk a go, but organising it myself, i simply would be out of my depth, having had no experience in organising such a complex event.

Just imagine the logistical nightmare, if an entrant got lost, or even worse, suffered life changing injuries, resulting in me being sued for negligence.


Such an event, would need the backing of a much larger group of individuals, all of whom could trust each others judgement in an emergency situation.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: phil1960 on 20:37:57, 11/02/18
Oh well  ::)  On a plus note, there’s still a few tickets left to see Andy Kirkpatrick in Brecon tomorrow night, swmbo and I are really looking forward to it  :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 21:25:41, 11/02/18
You must all be mistaken, i am not taking part in the Brecon Ultra, Tonyk has got mixed up with his events.
Someone ( Tonyk) has mistakenly confused the South Wales Marathon Walk, which was one of the longest running continuous running Challenge Event in the Uk, until its demise in 1997 or 8, with the Brecon Ultra.


 Sorry about that.I was under the impression you wanted a scenic challenge in the Beacons.The entry price is quite reasonable,at least for one of these kind of events.

 Mel can enter instead and we can put a tracker on her. ;)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 22:43:45, 11/02/18
Oh. So no trip to Wales then. Are you sure you couldn't organise a meet up event Dyffryn.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 13:35:54, 12/02/18
Ha!! You'd be thinking the tracker had broken the speed I walk!!
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: jimbob on 16:16:59, 12/02/18
That would be two of us Mel ;D
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 18:20:13, 12/02/18
Yayyyy, a fellow snail  O0
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: NeilC on 08:58:17, 13/02/18
A public right of way is just what it says.  People have a right to use it, for whatever purpose they choose.


Most of the congestion is in the National Parks. Race organisations already need permission from the National Park authority in order to run them. So no banning by landowners is required. All that would need to happen would be the NP to give out less permissions.

They already do limit it in AFAIK quoting "damage to the fragile environment" which is a valid concern. The argument is what that limit should be.

I'm guessing most people wouldn't want an organised event on every peak, every trail, every beauty spot every single weekend. Therefore I'd say that all of us do have a limit. The point of contention is what that limit is. For me, I think it's getting too much now in some areas. Others are free to disagree.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Addingham on 06:23:28, 14/02/18

Most of the congestion is in the National Parks. Race organisations already need permission from the National Park authority in order to run them. So no banning by landowners is required. All that would need to happen would be the NP to give out less permissions.



Quite correct. But it all these unofficial charity events that seem to be the bugbear. Where I reside the Yorkshire 3 peaks is a prime example. It's not official races that have mostly eroded that said route it is charity events. But as I originally stated trying banning them takes you down a very slippery slope.


Hull CC and others are already banning cyclists using certain legal to cycle roads now. Till they use their bylaws to curtail.


Also restrictions in certain areas of Scotland for wild camping. The latter problem is not caused by true wild campers but by city folk leaving all their trash after having a jolly around Loch Lomand and Trossacks etc.


 Where will it end?
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 13:53:42, 14/02/18
I have to confess to being a bit bored of seeing "the usual" charity events, be that the Y3P, the N3P and such like. Its all got a bit samey samey now. C'mon charities who organise these events - inspire us with something new. Something different.
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: phil1960 on 16:31:24, 14/02/18
When one of these events are going on I just walk somewhere else, simples  :)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Addingham on 16:35:08, 14/02/18
When one of these events are going on I just walk somewhere else, simples  :)


Exactly. Although some people cannot change their itinerary for some reason.  ;)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Strider on 17:41:23, 14/02/18
I have to confess to being a bit bored of seeing "the usual" charity events, be that the Y3P, the N3P and such like. Its all got a bit samey samey now. C'mon charities who organise these events - inspire us with something new. Something different.

How about pushing a canoe full of baked beans up Ben Nevis with just your nose whilst wearing clothing made from old tyres?
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Mel on 17:53:22, 14/02/18
Might seem a bit "copycat"?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-28567227 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-28567227)
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Addingham on 18:05:22, 14/02/18
Might seem a bit "copycat"?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-28567227 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-28567227)


Brilliant. ;D  What a *******
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: tonyk on 19:43:50, 14/02/18
                                           888888888
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: Ho11yberry on 10:24:40, 27/02/18

Quote
When one of these events are going on I just walk somewhere else, simples  :)

Yes.  After a London escape to the South Downs last year we discovered that our route was swamped by (literally) thousands of walkers on the 'South Coast Macmillan Mighty Hike'.  They were having a fantastic time and were raising a massive sum of money for a worthy charity so good luck to them (we made a donation) but the peaceful country walk away from the crowds that we had so carefully planned was shot to bits! 


Lesson learned - research popular routes for this kind of thing before booking very expensive train tickets!
Title: Re: Too many races and events?
Post by: fernman on 11:31:25, 27/02/18
I experienced another aspect of this when I once drove 35 miles to visit a nature reserve, only to find that its car park was being used for the start and finish of a charity walk. There was no room for me at all, it was chock solid with cars and vans, as too was every pull-in along the access road, and I had no choice but to think of somewhere different to go.

EDIT: Just remembered another example, there was a 24-hour triathlon taking place when I walked my circuit around Snowdon last September, I think it was for charity. I passed Llyn Gwynant camp site which they had completely taken over, there must have been over a hundred tents, not to mention marquees, vans, lorries and a public address system. Imagine if I had arrived late, planning to spend a peaceful night there! Southwards beyond there, the path was a quagmire, churned up by goodness knows how many runners having used it earlier.