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Statement by Manx Harriers
After much though provoking discussion and debate Manx Harriers have taken the difficult decision to
discontinue the Peel to Douglas Road Run. This is due to increasing
traffic and the related safety concerns in recent years expressed by Police,
competitors, marshals, vehicle owners and those responsible
for organising the event.
Manx Harriers have made attempts
in recent years to improve safety by shortening the course to 10 miles to
avoid crossing the full width of the Castletown Road at the QB as
well as switching days between Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday and
start times.
However, Manx Harriers are intent on preserving rich history and tradition of
the Peel to Douglas run, and are planning to hold an alternative
trail run by switch the course to the Heritage Trail along the old railway
line. The provisional plan is to start as usual from the Philip Christian
Centre and pick up the old railway line either just outside Peel or at St
Johns and finish as usual on the TT Access Road.
In addition there is a date change
to consider. We are proposing to switch the event to Sunday 23rd October this
year, but if successful, the event will in future years be held
on a date in September (which we cannot do this year due to Commonwealth
Youth Games) so that it sits nicely in the Athletics calendar as a preparation for the start of the Cross Country Season in October.
Manx Harriers are delighted that Isle of Man Bank have confirmed their continued support and
sponsorship of this event in its new form.
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