to think marathons in cities cause too much mayhem?

[Bottlew]

There is a full marathon in my city on Sunday. They will start to close the roads 5pm on Saturday and it is impossible to drive anywhere.

My neighbour is immobile and relies on carers. All his visits are severely delayed and it means he ends up sitting in his faeces and urine for hours and hours. He won't get his meals till a lot later. There is access given for carers, emergency services but this still ends up in a lot of delays.

I know it brings in a huge amount of income for the city but the disruption is terrible particularly for those who are vulnerable. It means I don't get to visit people in need because I can't drive anywhere. Public transport doesn't work as I often have a lot of shopping etc.

I think there needs to be a balance and the challenge is that it isn't just the annual, fundraising marathons that close roads and disrupt communities.

In 2019 a mare and foal died because a vet wasn't let through by officials for a velo cycle event and there was another incident where a horse and rider were injured by cyclists taking part in an organised road race.

I think organisers should be more proactive to minimise the impact on the communities which are hosting their events.

I'm on both sides. I'm a runner but I'd never participate in one of the big city ones mainly because they are basically unaffordable and extremely packed - I do smaller (still marathon distance) more 'community focused one'. Running is a massive trend the now I'm hoping smaller runs (in terms of how many folk are doing them!) become more widespread and popular

Ask people who are on off days and offer time and a half.

And ableist.

Why is anyone comparing traffic which is standard on roads to closing roads for marathons?

The roads are only closed to drivers, they are open for pedestrians

why do drivers think they are the only “traffic” on roads

trams are still running in Manchester

Pedestrians walk on the pavement not in the road; how have you not been run over by now?

🤦‍♀️ how do you think they get from one side to the other - float like the trams do

You’re just being a deliberate prick now. The road closing affects motorists only as roads are for cars, I suggest you get a life

Can’t his family help out for that day given they have advanced notice of the road closures. Yes there is a lot of disruption, but they aren’t going to stop doing them anytime soon, so his family need to see how best to help on this day.

They are not local and also they are unable to operate the hoists and the equipment that is needed to move him around.

pointing out that other use the road isn’t being a prick

youre so blind to anything but drivers, and prove the point magnificently by calling others names

So no protest marches, no Christmas lights, no public gatherings or celebrations of any kind?

This is possibly one of the most miserable posts I've seen on mumsnet. Playgrounds, not necessary the one beside my house gets loud and encroaches on my life, get rid! The Arts festival brings too much traffic and so many people to my area and encroaches on my life, get rid. The rugby pitch, too many cars, too many people, get rid. Tennis club, lights are too bright at night and the thwacking sound is irritating, get rid. The church and those annoying bells, no thank you, get rid.

A lot of 'non essentials' encroach on other people's lives in some way but what a crappy life it would be if we were all reduced to essentials only, no fun allowed because it's selfish and unnecessary. Even North Korea allows a little bit of recreation and including marathons.

Are they disruptive to the same degree? Road closures and the like for the same duration and at the same level as a marathon?

Stop with the whataboutery because it doesn't work. Nothing will change, the marathon will continue regardless of what anybody thinks.

I don't believe I said any of that. That's your own inability to comprehend. How embarrassing that you sat there typing out that self-righteous tripe.

You said “any non-essential activity”. Surely you’re aware you didn’t qualify your statement?

I said that I think they're selfish and unnecessary. Nowhere did I say that they should be banned.

Now, run along...

Agree. I hate it. When I lived in Portsmouth and I had family or friends visit on the weekend it was impossible to get anywhere to take them out and about in the day. We did 1 time end up walking and running across runners path and we got shouted at. But shouted right back 😂 But what else are we supposed to do. They should erect temporary foot bridges or something. I am not interested in marathons i just want to go about my day and enjoy the nice weather in my weekends off.

But even thinking they’re selfish and unnecessary is miserable, which is what PP said. And I’ll comment on this thread just as much as I want.

And I will ignore your witless posts to me so we're both happy.

Yay!

It should be the responsibility of the organisers to make sure there's a workable solution to situations like this.
Employing people to help essential service providers/people with disabilities to be disrupted as little as feasibly possible.

More engagement with residents/carers etc to listen to their concerns and plan accordingly. Even financially help to provide extra support (like the OP's neighbour needs)

Surely this would only bring positive publicity and generate good will towards the event organisers?

Marathons and events like these are great for all the other reasons mentioned by posters but could be fantastic if some common sense and compassion was applied to the locals whose lives and health they impact on.

Marathons don't just happen on their own, routes are submitted and road closures are agreed with local authorities and emergency sevices months in advance.

True but vulnerable people are not usually consulted. It is not just about local authorities and emergency services,