Living in a small village, having a day off is precious to me, a time to relax and recharge. However, the North Lanarkshire Half Marathon is effectively turning this opportunity into a frustrating ordeal. Scheduled road closures force residents like myself to remain locked in our own communities, unable to freely enter or leave during the event.

The marathon might be an exciting occasion for some, yet it's clear that its popularity doesn't match the disruption it causes. With only a handful of participants, the event hardly justifies the significant inconvenience imposed on innocent bystanders, particularly us who reside here and whose daily lives are turned upside down.

Moreover, the economic impact cannot be overlooked. Local businesses suffer from decreased foot traffic on a day that could potentially be profitable, as both residents and potential customers find it challenging, if not impossible, to navigate their way through the closed roads.

While we understand the importance of community events and support the health and fitness initiatives, it is critical to reconsider the current approach. We propose a more strategic planning of the half marathon route that minimizes disruptions to residents and businesses, perhaps by selecting a route that avoids the main roads of small villages or occurs in a more unpopulated area.

Alternative solutions, such as staggered road closures or providing adequate detours, should be thoroughly explored to ensure that everyone’s needs are addressed. After all, the essence of a community event should bring us together, not drive a wedge between those who run and those who do not.

Please sign this petition to urge the organizers of the North Lanarkshire Half Marathon to reconsider their current event planning strategies. Together, we can strive for an arrangement that respects both the event's participants and the residents of the North Lanarkshire villages.