The problem does not lie with the individual walker, it's the 600 runners who have been bussed in that are causing the problem. Please keep these organised events out of the mountains, and please keep the so called wardens who support these events out of the mountains too!

The large volume of runners causes problems and delays for individual ealkers and small groups. Having found myself dodging repeatedly out of fell runners way on Stanage Edge once, I can vouch for how much a fell race can spoil enjoyment of a walk. Luckily,we got away from the runners after about 30 minutes. To suggest closing a popular mountain yo all bit runners is very selfish.

Out in nature, priority should be given to the slowest. Mountain bikers are often a menace to the peaceful enjoyment of nature as well.

As a hill runner (and walker) I have had a couple of walkers force me to take evasive actions and have a couple of scars to show it. One of these is from a race and one from a personal run.

Different users have different requirements and most walkers probably don't appreciate the difficulty in moving and stopping when running at speed, especially if tired too.

Hill runners do also walk as well! So do bare that in mind.

One thought is that there are 6 or 7 different paths up Snowdon and the vast majority some walkers may never use. I admit to having never walked up the Snowdon Ranger Path or Rhyd-ddu path, but have done the hill ten times. Something to consider on race day?

The thing about mountains, THE thing about mountains, is that you do what is in front of you. If you start to modify the environment to facilitate special needs, you miss the point. If you want a crowd free Snowdon (walking or running) don't go on a midsummer weekend.
Don't go next weekend because I've booked it and you won't be allowed on. Faugh!

Couple of points..

Why is this event being run on a SAT during the height of the season on the most popular route? Would love to see the risk assessment...

I might just walk the very route mentioned not because I have any issues with fell runners (I do a bit myself) but a huge issue with anyone telling me when I can and when I can't walk up what is a popular route during the height of the season.

Fell runners in the main are single minded and determined bunch who don't suffer walkers concerns, (from my experience) they are only interested in getting up n down as quickly as possible. woe betide anyone who gets in their way...

As for the suggestion that walkers choose different paths- that's hilarious - how about the fell runners doing the same or even picking a day when the mountain is not as popular I.e. a weekday - if peeps are so keen to run it they will happily take a day off work.

WHY NOT ORGANISE THE RACE MIDWEEK? OR 'OUT OF SEASON'

SUCH EVENTS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PECKING ORDER OF MOUNTAIN ACCESS ETIQUETTE AND IF ALLOWED AT ALL, DESPITE THE MASSIVE IMPACT, SHOULD FIT IN TO OTHER USAGE.

THE FIRST WEEKEND OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IS AN ABSURD CHOICE OF DATE FOR THIS EVENT,.

So a mountain that has been there for millions of years and people have been able to visit, climb, explore etc for tens of thousands of years should be closed because of some stupid fell race that has been going for 38 years feels its priorities are greater.

I hate all these mass participation/charity events whether they be runners, walkers or bikers. They're usually full of people who have no real appreciation of the countryside and often leave rubbish as well as damage to the environment they're in.

Here's the answer, ban any gathering/event that has more than 20 people in it.

Let's face it, most fell runners are a bit mental anyway.

As for you Stephen, what gives you the right to expect people to move out of your way? If you choose to hurtle down a mountain at speed then you should consider the obstacles in front of you and go around them. Should boulders and trees be moved as well? The same goes for the many ignorant mountain bikers who also hurtle down "footpaths" that they shouldn't even be on.

Instead of shooting deer and grouse hunters should be allowed to pick off the runners and bikers. That would make things a lot more interesting.

These ffine olk don't reaslly need to be on a mountain to do their thing. Why not rent 600 running machines in Llandudno instead?

It's not clear why the course change has been made - is it a change in policy by the railway company?

One thing the race organisers could do is to request that supporters stay off the hill. It's one thing having 600 runners go up and down, but add on a few hundred supporters (who will stay put and block the path) and it makes things that much worse.

It's disappointing to hear the race organiser suggest a ban on access for others. And slightly surprising - since the response is more likely to be a ban on the race!

The Snowden international mountain race isn't a charity event. It is a proper bona-fide fell race with tough entry criterea. You forget that when it comes to mountain craft and respect of the environment Fell Runners are often more in tune to their surroundings and mountain ettiquet than a lot of people taking part in stuff like the 3 peaks challenge [spit], taking a train up or unprepared walkers going 'lets have a crack at that, looks quite easy [a few hours later] hello, mountain rescue!'

That said I think suggesting 'closing' the mountain is extreme [and a bit daft, dare I say it?]. Signs drawing attention of walkers to the race should suffice, and briefings to the runners that they shouldn't descend beyond their own means.

Also, as in skiing, it is up the person coming from uphill/behind to give walkers/slower runners a wide berth. When descending a popular path (Like Scafell Pike last weekend) I make point of telling people to stay where they are/maintain their line, and I will deviate. I want to get from top to bottom as quickly as possible, but the safety of myself, my fellow competitors and the general public always comes ahead of the clock.

My biggest issue with this is the potential for lots of litter. Last year I did the welsh 3000ers as the Snowdon race and there was energy gel and water bottles dropped all over the hill. I was assured when asking a marshal that it would all be picked up, despite it being windy and actually blowing away at the time. I contacted the organisers but didn't receive a response.

This year I was up Snowdon again on the Welsh 3000ers a week after the Snowdon race and there where water bottles and energy gel - all the same so I presume it's sponsored - all over the hill. So obviously these organisers care little for the hill. If event organisers can't look after our hill, how will we set an example for others?!

In terms of closing the mountain. Okay, maybe restrict access on Llanberis path between certain times, their are many other routes and maybe signs saying give way to races, but you can't close a mountain.

Great these people complaining, the event is only on for a few hours every year. And to the people suggesting it should be held outside the summer months you must be crazy. Take the advice, walk another route, go up in the morning of the race or go on Sunday instead. It's everyones safety we are talking about.

There is already a voluntary ban on bikes using the bridleways on Snowdon during the high season - see http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2013/05/01/voluntary-mountain-biking-comes-into-force-on-snowdon

Perhaps this should be extended to organised groups of any type of more than, say, 25 people?

Ignore the eejit - he's only looking for publicity.

I know you love to ban things down there but this really is a bit much.

The problem is the race, not us. Early or late start times perhaps? Play nicely and stop behaving like the selfish, "sharing is for little people" pheasant shooters.

Why Snowdon? There are plenty of quieter hills that the race could use.

Right to Roam is just that a right and yes that includes a Fell Race but closing a mountain or just suggesting it can only alienate people.

Helen has given advice and lets leave it at that.

As for problems for the runners and bystanders, I have just watched a stage of the Tour De France, it's mayhem on that account but everyone seems to accept it as part of the game.

The fell running club in my area is making a big effort to attract children to try the sport with no entry fee races, and goodies at the finish; my son recently 'enjoyed' trying one of these events. The extreme intolerance of this 'ban' proposal is in danger of undermining the good work being done by the sport at grass routes level and lead to negative attitudes to fell runners by walkers.

Where does it it eventually stop? Don't climb Snowdon because 500 charity walkers need to use the paths for their 3 peaks?

The elite runners would benefit from a ban, but they are so few in number compared to the ordinary club and enthusiast who are probably keen walkers as well.

Strange how "freedom to roam" soon becomes a joke on a popular mountain. As usual, I'll take not notice.

Some very ill-informed comments on here regarding "fell runners".

First and foremost, genuine fellrunners will be and are horrified at this suggestion. Of course you don't ban access to a hill because there's a run on. There's a thread on the Fell Runners Association forum where it is being roundly condemned.

Secondly, the completely ill-informed comments about gel wrappers and bottles are completely wide of the mark as far as "fell runners" go. There is a real intolerance amongst the fellrunning community towards the dropping of litter and, if it's seen in a race, culprits are reprimanded by their fellow runners.

That said, one of the problems with the Snowdon race is that it attracts runners who don't usually run on the fells. It's not a rough race by fellrunning standards, more of a trail race. Amongst the road running fraternity, there does seem to be a different attitude towards rubbish and towards fellow users of paths. That does call into question the suitability of this race.

One other point to note is that the main hills (Snowdon, Ben Nevis etc) are notorious for inexperienced walkers, out on a day trip and, having done both races, the main danger was groups walking 5 or 6 abreast, blocking the path and making no effort to allow a way through. In no way do I condone asking for a ban on access, but surely it's not too much to ask for some politeness and common sense in making way for runners for one hour a year?

Finally, just remember that the vast majority of fellrunners do the sport for the exact same reason as walkers go walking.....to enjoy the freedom and beauty of the fells.

Some really interesting and valid comments I hadn't thought of. Think the litter issue is one that is affecting hills everywhere and is unacceptable. I litter pick when out and about as I know loads of people do. As for the race, may be better 'out of season'. Having said that it is quite a spectical and does 'draw crowds' both running and visiting. Difficult to shut off a national resource and indeed treasure and to avoid a conflict of interests using the same facility.
So for me I'd go for an off season event, on a weekend, when the number of expected visitors to the area is low but the weather is still suitable to run in.
Am I an runner or walker?
Dont care, take your litter home with you who ever you are!

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Why should the mountain be shut for the runners. Us walkers use it all year