There was a group of male "yellow" group runners running 4-5 across coming up the Erickson trail on Saturday. They nearly ran me off the course. What part of "run two abreast" did these guys not understand?

Okay, they are elite runners but following simple instructions is also important. Let's all share the road or trail.

I don't really think it's a problem necessarily with only yellow runners. On my way downhill on Saturday I ran into a group of red runners that were spread out over the entire trail. They heavily involved in some great conversation but they had no problem moving once I spoke up that I was coming behind them. It happens sometimes. However, for the most part everyone I encounter out there keeps two abreast or is courteous of the other runners.

Also, I'd be surprised if anyone in the yellow group considered themself to be an elite runner. I mean, there are still two groups faster than us at Portland Fit!

Chris, I too had the same experience. We all get in our zone and don't necessarily notice when someone is behind us. If I called out "on your left" folks always moved over or were, at least, now aware. Generally, I tend to speak up so I don't get run into by someone that doesn't know I'm coming.

I think most runners (especially Pfit runners) are courteous to others.

J

Your points are understood. But, I would like to point out the following:

= I was not talking about the entire yellow group, just those guys who nearly ran me off the trail
= We were facing each other meaning they were coming up and I was going down and I had no room to manuever around them other than to go off the trail

I hope you took the opportunity to speak with their coach.

We all have to play nicely.

As summer is approaching and we'll be hitting the trails for the shade, let's practice some general trail courtesy. Portland Fit is a large program and we want to be well respected amongst our running/walking community. We don't want to be known as the trail hogs that takeover a route...please share the road/trail.

Trail Etiquette

• Follow the rules of the road - travel on the right and pass on the left.
• Don’t run down the middle of the trail. Run to the right side to allow others to pass safely.
• Don’t wear headphones – but if you insist, keep the volume low or only wear one headphone.
• If you are running an out-and-back route on a trail, don’t just make a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. If you are wearing headphones, now is a good time to pop out an earphone to make sure no one is approaching. Ensure the trail is clear of oncoming traffic (walkers, runners, cyclists, etc.) then make your u-turn. Making a sudden u-turn without looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit by an oncoming walker, runner or cyclist.
• Avoid running on trails in the evening if they are not well lit and do not have regular traffic.
• Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group. Don’t be a trail hog. While pedestrians have the right of way on most trails, the goal is to share the trails.
• Alert people when you are passing them – don’t assume they are aware of their surroundings. A simple “on your left” warning will suffice.
• Be alert on blind curves.
• Stop at stop signs if the trail crosses a roadway. Don’t assume cars on the road will stop for the trail crossing.
• Be mindful of young children on the trail – their movements can be unpredictable. Slowing the pace a bit when you pass small children on the trail is a wise idea. Use this as an opportunity to slow the pace then pick up the tempo.
• Respect private property along the trail.
• Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home in your fuel belt.

These complaints PAIL in comparison with the other running group that was out today that completely hogged the path running 4-5 abreast and 10 or more deep.

Wow, how dare I say anything about Pfit. I'm done with this thread, this forum and PFit. Good luck to you all in your training. I will train in my neighborhood where folks know how to share the road and are courteous.

I'm done here.

I guess I should have added that I agreed with your initial post since we were victims of getting shoved off into the mud on the side of the trail last week as well. I just chalked it up as a few folks not paying attention but it sounds like your experience was worse so I sympathize. The group this past weekend was being led by someone that should know better and was setting an awful example by nearly steam rolling everyone in their way by running in a loose military formation.... heck, they even laughed when one of our Pfiters yelled at them "two abreast"! I think I counted 4 or 5 packs of them that were probably running different paces.

I did see a difference since this topic was brought up last week and heard a lot more "on your left" than before, as well as oncoming traffic quickly snapping into two abreast if there were 3 or more.