Piers Morgan wants masks worn whilst running...

[Trulyatraditionalman]

AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

But Lil, just because you were doing it first, that doesn't mean it's more your space. Other people aren't 'invading' it, they are using what belongs to them as much as you

I see loads of runners round my neck of the woods that are breathing heavily and spit onto the pavement etc as they are running about. On a personal level I wish they had to sign disclaimers that if they carry on running at the end of a pavement and run into a car it is automatically their fault and not the drivers!!

I read somewhere where some country did this (Japan I think?) and a few people actually died as a result in their gyms. I can't remember the medical reason but it was along the lines that it's not safe to be running and doing any physical activities with mouth nose covered.

The chances of anyone giving you COVID by running past you are incredibly low.

All this aggro is about something else - maybe people just want to shout at strangers now? It’s definitely not because they are being put at risk.

Runners have as much right to pavement space as walkers.

Jesus Christ, never thought I would find myself agreeing with Piers Morgan but he has a valid point that runners should wear masks. Running leads to heavier breathing and stronger exhalation (not to mention the obligatory spitting), so runners spread virus droplets much more readily than normal people.

if a runner is coming at you...you should give them right of way

And exactly why should that be? Stopping and starting? Run someone else!! And to the poster saying running is a sport - then go to a running track! Shooting/javelin/discus are also sports and you don’t do those on a crowded pavement or park.

I run for my mental health. No I will not run round disused airfields and tracks. I run to enjoy my local area. I am entitled to use those open spaces as much as the rest of the world. And a pp is right. I've been running for two decades and am running routes I've used for a very long time, respecting the countryside code and fellow humans. The new users who are walking on crops, leaving gates open and worrying sheep with their uncontrolled dogs do not get to police my long enjoyed pastime with assumptions about my choices.

I agree actually. I wear a mask when running but only put it on when passing within 2 metres of someone. There are too many selfish runners around who do not move away from other runners and do not wear a mask.

I wall 12 miles most days. Obbioudly stuck to local from home exercise I pass the same peoplesome days depending on my time if walk and route.
Only 1 runner gives me wide berth and are considerate. The ret approach me fast from behind, pant all over Mr as they mirekess brush my shoulder. I get the impression us walkers pass them off.
One couple seem to get a laugh out of startling people the "surprise" with their close encounter brush if the shoulder run past.
Because of thus I'm in agreement with Piers.

In an ideal world just the selfish fuckers would be made to wear one but sadly life doesn't work like that. It's the selfish actions of the few that make stricter restrictions come in for everyone else.

I don't run so it won't impact me. I'd be a bit miffed if I had to wear one for my walks but suck it up if I had to.

The man is a master of no publicity is bad publicity. This is just more of that.

Even if an inconsiderate runner does get a bit close, it's outdoors for a fleeting second. It's hardly high risk.

@IrmaFayLear

if a runner is coming at you...you should give them right of way

And exactly why should that be? Stopping and starting? Run someone else!! And to the poster saying running is a sport - then go to a running track! Shooting/javelin/discus are also sports and you don’t do those on a crowded pavement or park.

Running tracks are closed

What scientists say is that heavy breathing while running spreads droplets like coughing does. This is why, even though outdoor transmission is lower, they say runners should still maintain distance.

If someone walked up to you in the street and coughed right in front of your face, you wouldn't be happy about it, would you? Even if it was outside.

Imperial is doing a whole wind tunnel experiment to model runners' droplet spread, it's really interesting.

Today the bloatbag that is Piers is complaining about runners who have the audacity to be improving their physical health. (Some are selfish, but so are some dog walkers, some families, some cyclists).

Next week or in the future bloatbag will be bleating about the rising obesity problem and how the NHS shouldn't treat any related health issues, completely ignoring the contradiction with what he's complaining about today.

You can bet that he won't be bewailing rich folk who find loopholes to allow access to second homes and tropical holidays during a global pandemic!

Truly horrible thread anyway.

There is an obesity crisis in this country as well as a multitude of health problems rising due to people being inactive and overweight.

We are supposed to take a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate and 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Many choose to run because it is an excellent and free form of exercise.

Yet here we are with neurotic people actually wishing to ban people from running in public out of some irrational fear.

I went for a run for an hour with a friend who tested positive next day (routine test for work). I did not catch covid, I think it is highly unlikely someone merely running past another person outside would be an issue.

I agree with PP that everyone needs to be considerate - eg people who stand on opposite sides of a country lane having a socially distanced chat, meaning everyone else has to walk between them - stand on the same side!

I've never seen any runners wearing masks and there are plenty of runners out at the moment.

I give people a wide berth or if not possible I don't breathe out while we pass!

Maybe focus on making places safe for runners first. The best and most open place for me is also the place I'm more likely to come across dealers or generally unpleasant people. I feel safer when there are others around.

Runners have as much right to pavement space as walkers.

And they have the same responsibility to distance themselves. I don't think anyone cares about runners who maintain distancing. The fact is an awful lot of them don't.

And no, I am not making way for a runner because it's too inconvenient for them to stop and start. If they want to run without obstacles, they need to go somewhere without so many people. If you choose to run in a very crowded park with the footpaths full of people, you will have to stop and start a lot.

He's unreasonable. I think people who wear them to walk outside are a bit odd tbh, let alone run.

I'm not a fair weather runner either. All weathers, streetlights or sunlight. I don't spit. I have almost been wiped out by people letting their little dogs trot all over the cycle paths without leads on though. I breathe away from people when I pass too.

I take it everyone who wants runners to wear masks fully supports kids in school wearing them too. After all, if I can run for an hour in one, it shouldn't be hard to sit for an hour in one.

@Spidder

I'm not a fair weather runner either. All weathers, streetlights or sunlight. I don't spit. I have almost been wiped out by people letting their little dogs trot all over the cycle paths without leads on though. I breathe away from people when I pass too.

I take it everyone who wants runners to wear masks fully supports kids in school wearing them too. After all, if I can run for an hour in one, it shouldn't be hard to sit for an hour in one.

By that logic, I could say that if my husband has to wear a mask for 9 hours/day in his manual labour job, you should be able to wear one for an hour's run.

I take it everyone who wants runners to wear masks fully supports kids in school wearing them too. After all, if I can run for an hour in one, it shouldn't be hard to sit for an hour in one.

Yes, I do. Although where I live, both are obligatory anyway.

Most of the runners near me wear them

@TakeTheCuntOutOfScunthorpe

Jesus Christ, never thought I would find myself agreeing with Piers Morgan but he has a valid point that runners should wear masks. Running leads to heavier breathing and stronger exhalation (not to mention the obligatory spitting), so runners spread virus droplets much more readily than normal people.

And what are the chances of catching it outside when a runner whizzes by?

I suspect it’s very very low. Minuscule in fact.

@dreamingbohemian

Runners have as much right to pavement space as walkers.

And they have the same responsibility to distance themselves. I don't think anyone cares about runners who maintain distancing. The fact is an awful lot of them don't.

And no, I am not making way for a runner because it's too inconvenient for them to stop and start. If they want to run without obstacles, they need to go somewhere without so many people. If you choose to run in a very crowded park with the footpaths full of people, you will have to stop and start a lot.

I don't understand why you won't make way but expect others to.

IME on most footpaths, it takes two to maintain 2m distance, you both need to move.