Re: [pct-l] Racing on the PCT? Input requested..

[ROYROBIN@aol.com]

brick@fastpack.com writes:

<< I'd like to read how list members feel about races on the PCT and if they 
 are appropriate.  >>

I believe racing on the PCT should be encouraged as long as the impact on the 
trail is controlled.  In August I met two runners on the JMT who were trying 
for a record (under 4 days, S>N.)  What a sight to see them cruising past us 
along Bear Ridge!  They hit some bad weather and other problems which caused 
them to miss their 4-day goal, but did set a new record.  

The Dipsea Trail Run is limited to 1500 entrants.  This has some negative 
impact on the trail, but the Dipsea is an institution.  The longer duration 
runs which might be staged on parts of the PCT would likely involve fewer 
than 200 runners and support people, and have negligible impact.  

The publicity which is generated by trail runs and races, can help improve 
the public's image of the trail.  We need all the help we can get to 
demonstrate that cattle grazing is not the highest, most beneficial use of 
this resource.  A couple hundred hiker-types, by ourselves, don't make enough 
noise to win this kind of argument.   
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