June

[glaconman]

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.