Originally Posted by
Solent
I'm one of those newbie lurkers that Just Bill mentioned in his previous posts. Been reading the forums for a couple years and just now registered.
I skimmed the letter that was sent in Nov 2014 and I find it interesting that 3% of the people that went up Katahdin were through hikers (less than 2000 out of more than 63,000) and yet it seemed like all the problems on Katahdin were caused from through hikers, especially that comment about large parties and drinking. It is also interesting how they get these figures if they don't have enough money for someone to be there constantly. Now granted, I'm a runner who hikes so I haven't been in the hiking scene hardly at all but that letter just does not seem right to me.
The letter also mentioned a steward, you would think that by putting up a sign, such as one Lone Wolf suggested, and that those individuals who are caught drinking. That the steward could issue citations and the park that has no money, could earn some coin.
As far as impact for FKT, I don't see it as a problem. They are usually so difficult and have no money earnings involved that it won't be turned into a Boston Marathon type event. Even the first place prizes at ultras usually just have a trophy of some sort and a new pair of shoes or a cool duffel bag. So they aren't even close to a regular city marathon. For those that haven't been to an ultra, the ones I have been to all practice Leave No Trace ethics. As well, the number of people for most of these events that I go to in the Virginia area have a max cap of 400 or less, most of the time the race doesn't even cap out. And if you have any experience with road races, you will be surprised to find a jerk of an ultra runner. Yes, you may run into someone that is having a bad day (who doesn't have those) but most ultra runners I have met are really friendly and do their best to leave the trail in a better shape than they found it. Often picking up sticks or others trash (day hikers, hunters, ect.) or donating their time to the A.T. or other trails for others to enjoy. There are even races that require trail work to register. And these ultra/trail runners encourage their friends to come out and enjoy the trails and teach them those same rules and ethics. So there is a positive influence happening.
When it comes to passing people, my personal philosophy is to just let everyone pass you and just to be friendly during the encounter. And if I am running up one someone to just ask nicely to pass.
I feel like this whole hiker/runner/biker thing reminds me a lot of driving.
Seems like everyone who drives has this same type of personal entitlement no matter their speed. You have the drivers that go 10 under the highway speed in the left (passing) lane. You have the people who go 15 over and tailgate you no matter which lane you're in. And then only way to get in the lane you need to take an exit is to cut each other off because no one is nice enough to let you in. And don't let me even start talking about the Sunday drivers...
My point is, go into your hike or run with a selfless attitude when encountering people and maybe you might make a friend. Who cares who passes who, it usually takes but a second anyways and that friendly exchange you make (whether or not they do the same) could just be enough to brighten their day, or save their life if they were planning on committing suicide.
As far as the the impact damage (physical pounding of the ground), have you ever taken a hike in the Grand Canyon? I'd be more worried about mules/horses than runners on a trail.