Forum Topic

Ealing Half Marathon

Perhaps plenty of monies raised for good causes, but what about the road closures??????????????????Drivers were literally going round in circles. All signs said were road closed & road closed ahead.Where are direction signs???Stewards were useless, shrugs of shoulders.Delivery vans - Occado was stuck & lots of members of public.Should be postponed next years event until proper traffic management put in place

Peter Yale ● 2766d20 Comments

MM, I have nothing against the event, As you have admitted the diversions were non existent.Its all very well to say road closed ahead & not give alternative route (even if it is just 3hrs).Now the organisers have been made aware perhaps they can deal with it.I have had no reply as yet

Peter Yale ● 2760d

That doesnt even deserve an answer

Marie McLernon ● 2762d

'Can we pls not bring Jesus into this?'So it is not only cars that should be banned?

Graham Weeks ● 2762d

Goodness me what a lot of moaners!Can we pls not bring Jesus into this?I was a marshall in Hanwell which had many road closures. All marshalls (volunteers) were well briefed with both maps of the course and local diversions.  Our job was to keep the road clear whilst cheering on all the runners. The responsibility of traffic management was with the security staff (paid) who I found in my area to be hauled in with little local knowledge and few personal skills in dealing with drivers. I, along with a few others, have fed this back to organisers. I did request info on bus route diversions but this wasnt known....something which can be improved on.On the whole drivers were understanding. After all it was 3hrs from a year. The few who got irate were local s who claimed no knowledge of the event though I did point out the yellow road closure notices which have been in place for a month.Local churches and gurdwara were very proactive and supportive of the event.It put a smile on hundreds of faces. We should be proud Ealing can put on such an event.

Marie McLernon ● 2762d

Not having a big shiny car but a small one I drive to church with a smile not sackcloth unless prevented by the half marathon. As I said. You win. Next year we worship in the afternoon.

Graham Weeks ● 2763d

who was going around in circles and why don't they use a sat nav just in case there is a road closure?

Paul James ● 2763d

Sorted. What's the problem?Stop driving there as well, it pollutes the atmosphere and having a big shiny car is hardly in line with the teachings of Jesus!

Paul James ● 2763d

You do too if you think operating a motorised vehicle on Sunday is acceptable...Shouldn't you be walking to church in a sack cloth?

Paul James ● 2763d

I am well aware that other churches have different views on how they should observe the fourth commandment.

Graham Weeks ● 2763d

Great news Graham.  A number of places of worship were activity involved in water stations, cheering groups and music.  Perhaps your congregation would like to join the community spirit of this wonderful community event?

Paul Scullion ● 2763d

Yes from next year we will move the morning service to the afternoon. We shall bow before the great half marathon god.

Graham Weeks ● 2763d

& there are plenty of parks for fresh air & runners.Sunday now is a normal "working" day, people need to get from A - B.The point is there were signs saying road closed & no diversion, cars going round in circles.I have emailed the organisers but their silence is deafening so far

Peter Yale ● 2763d

It's a once per year event (it only really impacts the morning and midday traffic) it promotes health and fitness whilst allowing many to raise funds for good causes.Is it too much to ask that you may miss church/find alternative means, park a little further away and walk/collectively get a minibus to reduce traffic???Why can't the church do a late afternoon service?I walked around several of the parks in the afternoon and the clear up operation was amazing all roads were fully open.I've seen other events in the area that have impacts that are similar but cause an abundance of litter and general nuisance.I feel the organisers should be applauded.

Lee Page ● 2764d

Being one who goes to church every Sunday morning by car I am no fan of this event nor are my fellow church members who travel by bus.

Graham Weeks ● 2764d

I've got google maps (as does pretty much everybody), it would route me around the closures if I drove, no map required.

Paul James ● 2764d

I must say I was extremely impressed with the clean-up in Lammas Park. 24 hours on and you wouldn't know an event of such scale had happened there. Well done to the organisers. So much better than the Ealing Festival in Walpole.

Martin Williams-Neale ● 2765d

Essentially with the two Pauls on this one.  But maybe the stewards on the day, at a minimum, could have handed out maps showing the route and environs.

Philip Coe ● 2765d

What a fantastic day of community, charity and well-being.  Brilliantly organised as always.  Huge thanks to the mass of volunteers who make this an award-winning annual event.  I look forward to my fourth appearance next year.

Paul Scullion ● 2766d

What a pair of bloody moaners!Seriously, drivers get the roads to themselves 365 days a year, what is the issue with runners getting them for one?

Paul James ● 2766d

Not to mention the noise !

Jim McCauley ● 2766d