hmmmm. is this legal?

[Cookerhiker]

From what I have read it seems some of "us" think the trail is "their's" and that others can't use it. I don't get that at all. Why would it be illegal for some people to "run" on a trail that is public property? Isn't running just faster hiking? We're still in America right? Someone said I hope they don't disturb people in the shelters? Why would they do that? Are "trail runners' the new Hells Angels? I think it's great that more and more people are experiencing the trail. As long as they aren't destroying the trail then what's the problem?

As the "someone" who referred to "disturbing" hikers in shelters, let's set the context: I never even hinted that they'd deliberately a la Hells Angels harass or disturb hikers. Nor did I aver that it's "my" trail and they had no right to it. Of course they do; as you said, they're just "fast hikers." Fine - nothing wrong per se.

These folks are running all night including when hikers are likely sleeping. It's just inevitable that when a group even as small as 5 happens upon a shelter at 1 AM, they will disrupt the scene however unintentionally unless they make an effort to keep quiet. Have they thought of this?

[Rain Man]

If they really want to do the right thing, the right way, they'll ask the ATC if any sort of permit or permission is required, up front. Maybe, maybe not.

Rain Man

.

[Sly]

what is the magic number you stop them from doing this????????????

From a LNT perspective, if I'm not mistaken groups of more than 25 are frowned upon. Legally, I would think it's up to the forest manager.

[Sly]

why would it be illegal?

What, no imagination?

[max patch]

So the guy who openly breaks the rules in the GSMNP has a problem with 5 guys running the trail? Give me a f'n break.

[FatMan]

Outrageous. Five guys running the trail for a cause. Book em Dano.

IMO hardly stands up as a permit type event. This is national forest. As long as it is not commercial, there aren't too many rules.

[Sly]

So the guy who openly breaks the rules in the GSMNP has a problem with 5 guys running the trail? Give me a f'n break.

I'm not sure what you're talking about with your first statement, but haven't seen any one in this thread oppose the run.

[WILLIAM HAYES]

another cause-give me a break-there are other places to run

[Phreak]

No one will hear these guys passing through in the night. They'll be focused on the run and very little conversation. You'll never know they were out there.

[Egads]

I can't imagine h0w this would be illegal, however I am not a bureaucrat with nothing but time & imagination to figure out how to empower myself through the loss of liberties of the populace.

[Lone Wolf]

So the guy who openly breaks the rules in the GSMNP has a problem with 5 guys running the trail? Give me a f'n break.

what guy?.....

[weary]

......IMO hardly stands up as a permit type event. This is national forest. As long as it is not commercial, there aren't too many rules.

Actually it's a National Park. I don't know the regulations, but I doubt if either agency has regulations that would make the proposed activity illegal. But national parks and forests have sharply different functions and many differing regulations.

The AT is perennially short of the funds needed for proper maintenance and managagement. Personally, I only support fundraising efforts that use the trail if the funds go to ATC or to one of the 30 maintaining clubs.

[JAK]

Apparently childhood obesity isn't one of their causes.

[John B]

why would it be illegal?

Well, to start with, did they complete an environmental impact statement? Obtain the necessary local, state, and federal permits? Hire a law firm and obtain liability insurance? Is it open to Hispanic-Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and arthritic left-handed Albanians? What about the course? Is it handicapped accessable? Is the money in a proper interest-bearing account and subject to public audit? Do they have Sierra Club approved Port-A-Potties? Did they check with Emerald to make sure the course won't disturb the nesting grounds of the migrating Yellow-Bellied Fruit Sucker? What about law enforcement? Has everyone been checked and approved by Homeland Security to make sure there are no terrorists racing? Medical care available every 200 yards? Will the race cross any county or state lines and how to handle that should one of the runners be carrying a concealed weapon?

[JAK]

Sorry I think I misread the article. I somehow got the impression they were being sponsored by Krisy Kremes etc. My bad. Still, I don't think a high daily calorie burn is ever a licence for poor nutrition. Its always ironic that when promoting one cause people often endorse one or more vices in the process. I still think they are going about this the wrong way. Would have been better to get some of these Tourettes kids out on the trail for some simple hiking and picnicing. Simple natural and healthy living. That is what should be promoted. People seem to use these causes just to draw attention to themselves. Misguided, at best, in my opinion. Not what nature trails should be used for. Sends the wrong message.

[Skidsteer]

Well, to start with, did they complete an environmental impact statement? Obtain the necessary local, state, and federal permits? Hire a law firm and obtain liability insurance? Is it open to Hispanic-Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and arthritic left-handed Albanians? What about the course? Is it handicapped accessable? Is the money in a proper interest-bearing account and subject to public audit? Do they have Sierra Club approved Port-A-Potties? Did they check with Emerald to make sure the course won't disturb the nesting grounds of the migrating Yellow-Bellied Fruit Sucker? What about law enforcement? Has everyone been checked and approved by Homeland Security to make sure there are no terrorists racing? Medical care available every 200 yards? Will the race cross any county or state lines and how to handle that should one of the runners be carrying a concealed weapon?

Now that was funny.

[JAK]

Nothing wrong with the cause, or trail running. I just think they are promoting themselves, instead of their cause, or the trail. Maybe instead they should consider a Stations-Of-The-Cross-A-Thon, and fuel their run with Chocolate Easter Bunnies.

[generoll]

Actually it's a National Park. I don't know the regulations, but I doubt if either agency has regulations that would make the proposed activity illegal. But national parks and forests have sharply different functions and many differing regulations.

Pretty sure this is National Forest land down here.

[Carl in FL]

Now that was funny.

Yes it was. Darn near wet myself with that Yellow-Bellied Fruit Sucker thing.

[Panzer1]

assuming there regulations about these things, can anybody cite the regulation that would make this illegal?

Panzer