Concerns have been raised by some Cockenzie and Port Seton residents who were "trapped in their homes" as the Scottish Half Marathon passed through the village.
The race – held on Sunday, September 24 – started at Meadowmill Sports Centre, continued onto Longniddry and close to Gosford House, before finishing at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Entrants ran west along the coast road through Cockenzie and Port Seton, with some roads in the area closed for several hours.
Some residents posted on social media that they were "trapped in their homes" and raised concerns over how emergency service access would be maintained.
One resident said: "No problem with the race itself but I had to hunt online for information about road closures which was very unclear.
"There were no signs on the roads about road closures that I could see, just no parking.
"Every route out of Port Seton was blocked except the one via Meadowmill which was gridlocked for an hour."
Another said: "I agree it raises money but surely the route could be planned so that there is at least one route in and out of the village.
"If an emergency vehicle had been required it could have been disastrous."
However not all residents were negative about the event.
One said: "Yeah it’s a nuisance and we all like a moan, but it raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities. I think there are more serious issues to discuss than these events which happen once or twice a year."
The village's community council has now confirmed that it is to meet with the event organisers and East Lothian Council to discuss the "impact on our village, its residents and businesses".
A spokesperson for Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council said: "Following the Scottish Half Marathon and Poppy Scotland Cycle, both of which passed through our community at the same weekend, members of the community council will be meeting with the
organisers, GSI Events and East Lothian Council to discuss the impact on our village, its residents and businesses.
An East Lothian Council said: “East Lothian Council recognises that public events positively promote tourism, community development, social cohesion, civic and cultural identity and can enhance community life as well as benefit the local economy.
"Whilst value in a wide range of public events is recognised, the council also encourages event organisers to be considerate of those who may be affected by their event.
"To aid this, East Lothian Council chairs a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) process for public events.
"The SAG includes representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Scottish Ambulance Service and this multi-agency approach ensures that organisers of events plan for and then implement their processes in a manner that is safe for
everybody involved with, and impacted by, the event.
"We welcome and encourage feedback from residents and the wider community regarding any impact experienced by such events as the recent half marathon as these help to inform the event organiser and can result in possible improvements to similar future
events.”
A GSI Events spokesperson said: "Miles eight to 10 of the Scottish Half Marathon route passes through Cockenzie and Port Seton, coming from Links Road before turning right onto Viewforth, Wemyss Place, and the High Street, before joining back onto the
B1348 towards Prestonpans.
"The route is directed this way to allow eastbound and westbound traffic on Gosford Road between East Lorimer Place and Park Road, and therefore an option for egress and access to continue whilst the runners are on the route.
"As per previous years, additional measures are put into place for access to the Links Road Garage, and Seton Sands Holiday Park.
"Over the years we have welcomed feedback from Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council and incorporated many changes with signage, access options, and changing the day of the event from a Saturday to a Sunday to name a few.
"We appreciate that road closures do cause inconvenience to the community, and we are, and continue to be, incredibly grateful for the support the communities of East Lothian offer to our participants as they take on their challenge, and we are proud to
introduce participants to the beauty East Lothian has to boast.
"The event itself has raised over £2.5million for charity since its inception, and each year we are pleased to welcome local clubs ... who use the event to fundraise.
"Our social media posts are always full of praise for those who come out of their homes to cheer on and support the runners, it’s what gets them through, so again we extend our thanks to absolutely everyone in these strong, vibrant communities."
https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/23831627.cockenzie-half-marathon-left-residents-trapped-homes/
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