Showing posts with label Letter to the Editor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Letter to the Editor. Show all posts

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Kris Taylor's reply to Chris McCarron's Letter to the Editor


Kris Taylor follows Chris Michaud with a reply


Come join us on our runs

Published on April 14, 2011

Editor:

It was somewhat comedic to read the comments from Chris McCarron last Friday, to give us all his point of view regarding the inconvenience and safety of the various running/walking events that take place on Island roads during some weekend mornings.

The P.E.I. Roadrunners Club should be commended for providing Islanders with these events and the tireless volunteer work that they do. Last year they raised over $45,000 for Island charities while keeping many people motivated to stay or get into shape. I have run in these races, as well, my wife and kids have participated and shared the experience and privilege of being active with a great group of people.

Numerous volunteers police these routes and intersections to ensure safety until the very last person crosses the line. Many summer races are held in parks and trails, but that is not always necessary or possible especially in winter. I have been very rarely harassed by motorists during my many years of cycling or running on island roads. What you might view as a nuisance, a kid may see as inspiration.

If you can’t pull out of the drive- through quick enough Sunday morning, or you stress because you have to wait a few seconds to find the appropriate place to pass because there is a race going on, you should join us. Let’s let Mr. McCarron’s shout out to us, be a shout out back to anyone who has never participated or volunteered in such events. We would love to see you.

Next year the Island Marathon will be 52 laps around the Red Shores Racetrack. Oh how exciting. I hope I draw the rail!

Kris Taylor,

Hunter River

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Chris Michaud's reply to Chris McCarron's Letter to the Editor


Runners, drivers need respect

Published on April 13, 2011

Editor:

Regarding Chris McCarron’s letter (“Island roads no place for runners,” 9 April 2011): While I can understand his apprehension of runners being on the “challenging enough” Island roads, his suggestion of moving road races to the Charlottetown Driving Park and Racino is rather insulting.

Maybe he also didn’t notice the usual presence of police along the race route?

We runners are, for the most part, well conscious of the dangers lurking on P.E.I. roads. We do our utmost to not place ourselves and Island drivers in needless danger in our quest for exercise and fitness. However, we runners are not much different than cyclists with whom all drivers must share the road. I guess we should all apologize to Mr. McCarron for making his Sunday drive a disconcerting journey.

Perhaps too simplistically, a little respect for each other is what is in order. When the road races are happening, heed the signs from those ensuring the security of the runners and drivers alike. We watch out for you, you watch out for us.

Or perhaps Mr. McCarron would feel safer driving around in circles at the driving park?

Chris Michaud,

Charlottetown


Saturday, April 9, 2011

Letter to the (Guardian) Editor - "Island roads no place for runners"

Island roads no place for runners

Published on April 9, 2011

Editor:

Running on Island roads as part of a marathon or part of a five-kilometre fundraiser is a practice that needs reconsideration. Island roads are challenging enough without adding runners into the mix.

Often these runners are running two or three abreast occupying the greater part of a lane or road and one can imagine what can happen on a sharp turn when runner meets car. Concern about one’s health is a moot point if you’ve expired due to your lack of diligence.

How about this? Remove road races altogether and relocate them to a safe location such as the race track at the Charlottetown driving park and racino. I am sure the horses won’t mind and commuters wouldn’t have to face road closures etc. just because someone wants to run on asphalt designed for vehicles.

Chris McCarron,

Stratford