A Camino Race - Really

[CaptBuddy]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

 

[Davey Boyd]

Oh dear.....

What are they thinking? And what next?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Why be surprised? Isn't it their camino as well? Isn't this the natural step after mochileros to make these routes entertainment and not a pilgrimage. And let's not forget the Spanish influence through Samaranch on the OC...

High time someone takes control on this madness before it all goes to ... If Buhtan can do it, why not Spain for the Camino.

 

[Robo]

Really sad to read of the Camino being used like this..

What's next, relay races around the Vatican?

 

[Felipe]

And what about backpack lifting? To me, it looks as a good candidate for Olympic sport.

 

[trecile]

I really don't see how someone else spends their time on the Camino affects me.

 

[jsalt]

Hi, I must be really dense, but what are they actually doing?
So the shortest stretch is 6kms, the longest stretch is 21kms, and the average is 12kms per day. But they have to complete Roncesvalles to Santiago in 6 (or 7?) days? So if there are 10 in the team, what do the other 9 do while one is “pilgrunning”? Do you think they have to “pilgrun” through the night as well? Where do they all sleep? The logistics seem awesome, but maybe I’m not understanding what they are doing. Looks like it could be fun. Doesn’t seem much different than the Spanish cycling groups than whizz past my ear yelling “Buen Camino” and frightening the living daylights out of me.
Jill

 

[Roger Pimenta]

I haven't walked the Camino yet, start this Saturday, so I can't say how news like this would/will effect me in the future. It's inevitable that as more and more people journey outside their comfort zone, look for new ways to find peace and/or create new experiences for themselves that someone would eventually find a way to monetize it. Looks like the Spanish IOC are blazing a new trail. Unfortunately we can't expect anything to remain "terra sagrada" anymore based on history or tradition. Rob's comment about Rome was actually quite funny, and unfortunately probably a sad reality one day.

I'd almost bet that a race like this one proposed on the Camino will live and die by the response and support of the public and the respect of the organizers to not impede or destroy what so many pilgrims have sought after, enjoyed and return for. Lets see... but i highly doubt that Spain would allow one of it's treasured historical jewels to be destroyed by any organization.

 

[Kanga]

What can I say?

 

[Ahhhs]

Seems like a strange choice of a location for a "run".

Never really thought of the Camino as a race track.

 

[nycwalking]

Well.... A while back a song's refrain comes to mind: things that make you go, um! Another song another refrain: I think I finally found my Hallelujah, it's good to be alive right about now. I love the Olympics. I love the camino. And, I love CBS's show Amazing Race, which seems to be a model for this race. But ... all rolled into one. Huh!

 

[ratherbefollowingflechas]

Can we at least get them to ring their bell as they go blasting by?

 

[mspath]

More here in this Spanish report from Mundicamino.com.
http://www.mundicamino.com/noticias...er-en-junio-la-primera-carrera-del-peregrino/

 

[trecile]

We also have to remember that despite what the Camino is to those of us who are not Spaniards, it is part of the Spanish national identity, and theirs to do with what they want.

 

[Kanga]

It does not only "belong" to Spain; it was recognised as the first European cultural route and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is worth reading the UNESCO criteria for listing:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/669

 

[nycwalking]

I am not a big commitment queen, and a live and let live advocate. But, I really do not like this. It is too much.

 

[Robo]

I really don't see how someone else spends their time on the Camino affects me.

Perhaps a bit like the whooping 'peletons' of cyclists?

 

[Charl]

For better or worse, the Camino - and here I mean primarily the Frances - is a leisure activity in today's society, and hardly a 'pilgrimage' any longer. It's growth in popularity is mainly due to the growth of world tourism and increase in available free time in affluent societies. From the research data I've seen, Frances has relatively little to do with religion for most walkers, and is mostly a secular, 'commodified' activity now that is becoming a sort of gold standard in tourism generation in its niche. Proof of this trend is the fact that there are now here in South Africa no less than three long distance(and very beautiful) hikes that call themselves 'Camino something'. The Camino refreshes and rejuvenates the spirit in the same way that any hike or outdoor activity does, and in addition is accessible and cheap. So I'm quite surprised that such organised event innovations haven't taken place sooner. Expect all kinds of marathons, bike races, fun fairs, etc to spring up in future. Expect more and more package tours. Expect the Spanish government to wholeheartedly support them. They'd be silly not to. And yes, expect them to struggle to cope with the onslaught of Camino tourists.

So I see the more, um. serious pilgrims - and I count myself among them - migrating to routes like the Via Francigena, where infrastructure is growing but the route is still quiet and, dare I say, authentic. Expect Albania and Greece to wake up soon and pour some money into developing the Via Egnacia. (I'm really looking forward to that one.)

And yes, the Camino belongs to the Spanish, the same way that Table Mountain in Cape Town belongs to South Africa, etc. The UNESCO is an enabler, not an owner. It's a Spanish Camino Which of course makes it their responsibility to take care of but that's another story.

 

[Kanga]

I'm with our Aboriginal people's philosophy - saying a place is "owned" by people is like saying that a dog is "owned" by the fleas on its back.

 

[Kathor1]

And here is the website for the Carrera Del Peregrino 2017:

http://lacarreradelperegrino.com

The event is apparently sponsored by the Galician regional government. Some but not all parts of the website have been translated into English.

 

[onwayhome]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

Mmmmm watch out for those cycle bells- looks like the cyclists will be having their own Camino race from Madrid in July, if my basic Spanish has understood correctly:
http://ciclismo.as.com/ciclismo/2017/02/21/mas_ciclismo/1487685098_169952.amp.html

 

[Kathor1]

CBS's show Amazing Race, which seems to be a model for this race.

I don't think you have to look so far. Running events of all sorts have gained immense popularity over the last few decades and putting a track along historical, cultural or environmental landmarks is not unusual. There is an established annual Roncesvalles-Zubiri half marathon along the Camino de Santiago, btw, but I guess it has escaped global attention so far.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It's been done:

https://jennyjourney.wordpress.com/

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Hum... according to the website, formthe 600€ fee, the participants get a Compostela and get to go to pilgrim mass...

Don't they have to have walked the last 100km to earn a Compostela? Sarria to Santiago as part of a relay team of 10 hardly gives one 100km. And just imagine them barging in cafes to get sellos for their credencial!

 

[notion900]

It's ten teams of ten, relay, so only ten people will be running at any given time. I don't think it will be so intrusive. And they are not using the albergues. If they get a cheat's compostela, they would hardly be the first!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

It's ten teams of ten, relay, so only ten people will be running at any given time. I don't think it will be so intrusive. And they are not using the albergues. If they get a cheat's compostela, they would hardly be the first!

I guess we will see how the Cathedral and Pilgrim Office justify these Compostelas as I think one would have to spin like Kellyann Conway to convince me of that these runners are "Making the pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons, or at least an attitude of search".

 

[Kathor1]

If they get a cheat's compostela, they would hardly be the first!

It's similar to other publicized events - the recent Camino by the Sea project springs to mind - : the owners of the Compostela award system can hand them out as they see fit. Not to all and sundry but to the selected few who did not walk all of the last 100 km, did not have any need to make a secret out of it and were officially awarded their Compostelas.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

... the owners of the Compostela award system can hand them out as they see fit. Not to all and sundry but to the selected few who did not walk all of the last 100 km, did not have any need to make a secret out of it and were officially awarded their Compostelas.

Oh, since the 600€ "buys" runners a pilgrim mass (which is free to all!) I wonder if the organisers have even looked into how they will secure these Compostelas. Just another commercial gimmik, selling what cannot be sold?

 

[Kathor1]

I wonder if the organisers have even looked into how they will secure these Compostelas. Just another commercial gimmik, selling what cannot be sold?

You could email them and ask. This event is being prepared since May 2016, it's sponsored by the Spanish Olympian Committee and the Xunta of Galicia. Maybe some of these sponsors know someone at the Cathedral? What do I know, I live far away ... .

 

[Anemone del Camino]

You could email them and ask. This event is being prepared since May 2016, it's sponsored by the Spanish Olympian Committee and the Xunta of Galicia. Maybe some of these sponsors know someone at the Cathedral? What do I know, I live far away ... .

Maybe I can ask if I go get a compostela after walking the Invierno in a few weeks? Someone has to try to keep the process honest.

 

[notion900]

It's also a race, but 'non-competitive'. Figure that one out.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

It's also a race, but 'non-competitive'. Figure that one out.

Since it involves the OC, perhaps,they will,be testing new performance enhancing drugs?

 

[David]

We also have to remember that despite what the Camino is to those of us who are not Spaniards, it is part of the Spanish national identity, and theirs to do with what they want.

errmmm .... the land may be Spanish but I think the Camino, the pilgrimage, belongs to the Vatican

 

[FamPed]

Quote from: http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/
[Sponsored by COE (Spanish Olympic Committee), the relay race will kick off on June 18 in Roncesvalles to end on 24th in Santiago de Compostela.]

Oh dear.....

What can I say?

Why not doing this kind of commercial race on the road that runs beside (about the same lenght as) the camino? Give them a diploma for participating in the race, not a Compostela..
If this is going to be a yearly thing I for sure will avoid these dates in the future.

 

[David]

Won't be long .. but in a few years some will be dressed as Teddy Bears and so on ... maybe even a MatoMoros .... oh dear ...

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

Thanks for alerting us to this. There is a comments box at the bottom of the page - I have left mine!

 

[Deleted member 36903]

It does not only "belong" to Spain; it was recognised as the first European cultural route and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is worth reading the UNESCO criteria for listing:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/669

Kanga, as you are a moderator how about you letting me triple-like this comment?

 

[FamPed]

.... it was recognised as the first European cultural route and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is worth reading the UNESCO criteria for listing:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/669

Thanks @Kanga for posting this.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

I don't care for this at all. Seems so counter intuitive. They now have ultra runners on my beloved AT, competing, seeing who is the fastest. The trails don't exist for that reason. Speed, records are for a fast paced society out there not for a comtemplative journey. Sad. I wonder who come up with this idea?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

"Sad. I wonder who come up with this idea?"

The Olympic Committee as a fundraiser and publicity stunt. They are a commercial organization that makes money from professional sports. Sort of a McDonalds with biceps.

 

[CaptBuddy]

I really don't see how someone else spends their time on the Camino affects me.

I Like your post, and generally agree with your philosophy. However, I think dirt bikes would be a bridge-too-far for me. I guess everyone has their limit.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

We can protest this!! Send emails to CORREO@COE.ES NOW!!!

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Need all pilgrims to please send emails of protest to CORREO@COE.ES This needs to be shut down

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Need all pilgrims to please send emails of protest to CORREO@COE.ES This needs to be shut down

Just sent off my first protest letter. Please join in.

 

[SYates]

A bit more background info would be helpful ... what EXACTLY are you protesting about? BC SY

 

[CaptBuddy]

It does not only "belong" to Spain; it was recognised as the first European cultural route and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is worth reading the UNESCO criteria for listing:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/669

I had not read that before. Thanks, it is well worth reading, and re-reading.
Kanga, you're the best.

 

[VNwalking]

This, SY.
So, Chuck--that address to send a letter to. Is it associated with the company that's organizing this, or....?

 

[SYates]

Actually the email address mentioned belongs to the Spanish Olympic Committee http://www.coe.es - so I am seriously confused here ...
BC SY

 

[VNwalking]

I get it now, no need to answer that question Chuck.
They're co-sponsoring this spectacularly bad idea. (Check out this other thread...)
I'm a realist about greed, so am hardly surprised.
And the Camino will survive--it's seen worse.
But I don't like it. One bit.

 

[SYates]

Ok, can somebody please provide me with a working link what all this is about? I am still in the dark ...

BC SY

PS OK, found it here http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

A bit more background info would be helpful ... what EXACTLY are you protesting about? BC SY

About a proposed race on the Camino see link
http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

This, SY.
So, Chuck--that address to send a letter to. Is it associated with the company that's organizing this, or....?

Yes it is. it is the Spanish Olympic committee pushing this agenda

 

[SYates]

Horses for courses, I guess. I don't like the idea, but who I am to tell others how to do their Camino? BC SY

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Yes it is. it is the Spanish Olympic committee pushing this agenda

Sorry I didn't make myself better understood. It is the Spanish Olympic committee that come up with this brilliant idea. If you read the link you will see what a bunch of BS it is. The email address is to the olympic committee.

 

[koknesis]

Need all pilgrims to please send emails of protest to CORREO@COE.ES This needs to be shut down

even though the idea of racing camino sounds somehow weird, I do not think this activity will cause more inconvenience for walking pilgrims than speeding cyclists or school crowds kicking a ball in front of them. pax vobiscum.

 

[SYates]

Ok, if somebody sets up a well worded and polite petition at https://www.change.org/start-a-petition for example I sign and help to distribute the word. I don't think it is a good idea, but again I also don't think it is more than a 'one day fly' as we say in my native German and somebody that participates might actually discover the spirituality of the Camino. to paraphrase an old Camino saying 'Many have started as runners in Roncesvalles and have arrived as pilgrims in Santiago!'

BC SY

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Horses for courses, I guess. I don't like the idea, but who I am to tell others how to do their Camino? BC SY

I have a very differing opinion but i don't care to get something started on this group. To each their own I guess.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Ok, if somebody sets up a well worded and polite petition at https://www.change.org/start-a-petition for example I sign and help to distribute the word. I don't think it is a good idea, but again I also don't think it is more than a 'one day fly' as we say in my native German and somebody that participates might actually discover the spirituality of the Camino. to paraphrase an old Camino saying 'Many have started as runners in Roncesvalles and have arrived as pilgrims in Santiago!'

BC SY

Good point (s) . thanks for sharing...i'll check out the petition thingy

 

[Fearbocht]

I am fascinated by the level of agitation that this event is causing. I wonder did the locals who were using the paths for whatever commercial/social reason they originally had look aghast at the first pilgrim(or the first modern day pilgrim with a backpack) with a sense of trepidation as to why these people would use their path in that fashion?

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

even though the idea of racing camino sounds somehow weird, I do not think this activity will cause more inconvenience for walking pilgrims than speeding cyclists or school crowds kicking a ball in front of them. pax vobiscum.

True that.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

I may be late to the party with this story, but I just learned of it 20 minutes ago.
To me, it seems completely unnecessary.

http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

And what about backpack lifting? To me, it looks as a good candidate for Olympic sport.

LOL good one

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am fascinated by the level of agitation that this event is causing. I wonder did the locals who were using the paths for whatever commercial/social reason they originally had look aghast at the first pilgrim(or the first modern day pilgrim with a backpack) with a sense of trepidation as to why these people would use their path in that fashion?

The Caminos came well before the current locals. In fact, the Caminos is what created these towns and cities along them. No Camino, no locals.

 

[dougfitz]

This needs to be shut down

Sure, presenting this as a pilgrim event might be a bit over the top. After all, none of the participants would qualify for a compostela, whether they will use albergues is unclear, and given the pace they will cover the distance, there are hardly likely disrupt other pilgrims as they reflect on life at a more leisurely pace. I don't really see what the compelling argument is that justifies suggesting it has to be shut down?

 

[SYates]

Alternative Idee:

What about equipping all these 'corregrinos' with gloves, rubbish tongues and rubbish bags? The one that collects the most rubbish gets a gold medal! Now THAT would be useful ;-) Buen Camino sin prisa, SY

 

[tillyjones]

Hmm. I have no more right to be traversing that route than does anyone else. Seems kind of un-Camino to suggest others shouldn't use it, in different ways. It is public land, is it not? We should be grateful that anyone has permitted us to use it. The Spaniards should be petitioning against letting us foreigners come and use it. Who are we to tell them not to use it? And if not for all of us using it, it wouldn't even be so popular, to warrant this, in the first place.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Alternative Idee:

What about equipping all these 'corregrinos' with gloves, rubbish tongues and rubbish bags? The one that collects the most rubbish gets a gold medal! Now THAT would be useful ;-) Buen Camino sin prisa, SY

Now THAT is a great idea.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

How do you feel about ATV's and motocross? Now that would be cool, would it not? I cannot see why not esp if they are Spaniards

 

[Waka]

Methinks this is a lot of hot air over nothing. If someone wants to organise a race along the well trodden path who are we to object. I'm living in the UK so I don't think I have the right to object.
Just my opinion, but jump down my throat if you wish.

 

[fenix]

How do you feel about ATV's and motocross? Now that would be cool, would it not? I cannot see why not esp if they are Spaniards

Not really analogous. Trails, including the camino, can be designated for or off-limits to certain types of traffic - foot, bicycle, horse/mule, motorized - for the safety of its users, protection of that physical environment, and other reasons.

But if foot traffic is allowed on a trail open to the public, including the camino, it is not for us to decide who is "worthy". "Slippery slope" is an overused & somewhat cliched fallacy accusation..... but I think it legitimately applies here.

Anyone can walk/run the camino for whatever reasons are meaningful to them.

 

[grayland]

A reminder to keep all posts civil.

All members are entitled to express their opinion....even if it differs from your personal thoughts.

 

[Mike Trebert]

If this gets off the ground it could end up being another money spinner like the San Fermin Festival. And criticising that here is bad for business isn't it? I thought that The Camino Frances was a UN World Heritage Site, HOWEVER...

"Sponsored by COE (Spanish Olympic Committee), the relay race will kick off on June 18 in Roncesvalles to end on 24th in Santiago de Compostela.

The Olympic spirit will conquer the Camino de Santiago in 2017, a year which has been declared International Year of Tourism by the UN, so it is an exceptional showcase of the Camino to the world and a unique way to obtain the so-called Compostela. According to the organizers, this first edition is the beginning of great and attractive new editions."

Relay race, 6 days. How does one "conquer" a Camino? Mass tourism? Like ocean liners in The Grand Canal? Artisanal tourism? - I don't think so.

I'm glad I got my CF in while the numbers were way down around 280,000. Please forgive my cynicism.

Please start a thread with a link to the petition (or will that be too political?). I'll sign up and plan on the quieter Caminos from now on.

Buen Camino, - Mike

 

[SYates]

I am really in several minds about this one:

1) Considering the long history of the Camino, an event like this has the length of the battering of an eye lid - one moment there, one moment gone.
2) On the other hand it 'fits in' with the ongoing efforts of the tourist offices/organizations alongside the Caminos to promote them as a 'destination' rather than a pilgrimage.
3) The Camino is open to EVERYBODY - just like the famous Roncesvalles poem states "The door is open for everybody ..."

Buen Camino, SY

 

[tillyjones]

A reminder to keep all posts civil.

All members are entitled to express their opinion....even if it differs from your personal thoughts.

True, but I will say that I'm a bit disappointed at the thought of anyone being seen as representing this forum to be formally protesting.

As per @Mike Trebert 's post, I do think that it is inappropriately political for this site to be engaging in, or promoting, a protest'. Not all of us feel this way and it could cause quite a divide in this community. People who have personal feelings about it and want to express themselves should do so privately.

This sentiment has really rattled my day, that this nice, safe, supportive community is going to engage in protesting who can use the Camino and why.

 

[Kathor1]

Ok, can somebody please provide me with a working link what all this is about? I am still in the dark ...

BC SY

PS OK, found it here http://caminotravelcenter.com/the-c...hosting-the-first-pilgrims-race-in-june-2017/

Here is the website for the actual race (I posted it already in the other thread):
http://lacarreradelperegrino.com

Their contact email address is info@lacarreradelperegrino.

A phone number and an address in Ourense is also given (see under Contact).

They are also on Facebook - just click on the link from their website.

 

[notion900]

I don't think the numbers of people will cause anyone a nuisance (10 teams of 10, relay, so only 10 people running at a time, and not using the albergues by the look of it).

I think the blatant cheat of a compostela when running as a relay team, and the idea of a 'non competitive' race that 'conquers' the camino is pretty naff. The Spanish Olympic committee should concentrate on supporting their athletes. Then they might win a few more medals (ouch!).

 

[SYates]

Lol, I really feel tempted to register and then to just walk 'my stage' really, really slowly, stopping at every corner to smell the roses and every church/chapel for a prayer ;-) BC SY

 

[Mike Trebert]

I am really in several minds about this one:

1) Considering the long history of the Camino, an event like this has the length of the battering of an eye lid - one moment there, one moment gone.
2) On the other hand it 'fits in' with the ongoing efforts of the tourist offices/organizations alongside the Caminos to promote them as a 'destination' rather than a pilgrimage.
3) The Camino is open to EVERYBODY - just like the famous Roncesvalles poem states "The door is open for everybody ..."

Buen Camino, SY

The goal will be increased tourism from the publicity generated by the "race". The "race" is a means to a greedy end. I've worked in advertising and even PR (may Buddha forgive me). There will be a longterm schedule/goal and it doesn't include us.

 

[Mike Trebert]

True, but I will say that I'm a bit disappointed at the thought of anyone being seen as representing this forum to be formally protesting.

As per @Mike Trebert 's post, I do think that it is inappropriately political for this site to be engaging in, or promoting, a protest'. Not all of us feel this way and it could cause quite a divide in this community. People who have personal feelings about it and want to express themselves should do so privately.

This sentiment has really rattled my day, that this nice, safe, supportive community is going to engage in protesting who can use the Camino and why.

If the protest/petition gathers steam it will be very quickly become disassociated from this forum for being blatantly political.

Edit: This stream could get locked off by a moderator, but the whole stream and Chuck's petition link would still be readable.

 

[VNwalking]

Lol, I really feel tempted to register and then to just walk 'my stage' really, really slowly, stopping at every corner to smell the roses and every church/chapel for a prayer ;-) BC SY

So. If we were to all do that...it would only take 100 of us.

 

[Playful Dread]

Those “corregrinos” are going to hell in a bumbag!

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

If this gets off the ground it could end up being another money spinner like the San Fermin Festival. And criticising that here is bad for business isn't it? I thought that The Camino Frances was a UN World Heritage Site, HOWEVER...

"Sponsored by COE (Spanish Olympic Committee), the relay race will kick off on June 18 in Roncesvalles to end on 24th in Santiago de Compostela.

The Olympic spirit will conquer the Camino de Santiago in 2017, a year which has been declared International Year of Tourism by the UN, so it is an exceptional showcase of the Camino to the world and a unique way to obtain the so-called Compostela. According to the organizers, this first edition is the beginning of great and attractive new editions."

Relay race, 6 days. How does one "conquer" a Camino? Mass tourism? Like ocean liners in The Grand Canal? Artisanal tourism? - I don't think so.

I'm glad I got my CF in while the numbers were way down around 280,000. Please forgive my cynicism.

Please start a thread with a link to the petition (or will that be too political?). I'll sign up and plan on the quieter Caminos from now on.

Buen Camino, - Mike

I think I have the petition up and running please check it out for me and see if it works properly
https://www.change.org/p/chuck-cunn...m-organizing-a-race-on-the-camino-de-santiago

 

[JohnnieWalker]

There is really nothing new in Spanish organisations of all kinds putting on such events on the Camino. Here are some past examples of military races on the Camino.

To object to this Olympic event supposes that there are criteria as to what the Camino can by used for and what it can't...what are these please?

http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/leon/maraton-militar-camino-santiago_525108.html

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/vigo/2010/06/02/soldados-peregrinos-tui/0003_8522907.htm

http://pontevedraviva.com/xeral/196...s-unidos-percorreran-camino-santiago/?lang=es

 

[John Sikora]

I guess in the spirit of the Camino, I shouldn't criticize anyone's approach. My fear is that this is more an economic issue of getting more people into the area. I would hope that this wouldn't impact the people walking it in a more traditional way. Not my cup of tea in any way, shape or form, but if it helps keep the Camino proprietors in business and causes minimal harm, so be it.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Need all pilgrims to please send emails of protest to CORREO@COE.ES This needs to be shut down

If you oppose using the Camino de Santiago for a race venue for the Spanish Olympic Committee please sign the petition at:
https://www.change.org/p/chuck-cunn...m-organizing-a-race-on-the-camino-de-santiago

 

[Mike Trebert]

I think I have the petition up and running please check it out for me and see if it works properly
https://www.change.org/p/chuck-cunn...m-organizing-a-race-on-the-camino-de-santiago

Thanks Chuck, well done. I just signed. Works fine, I got a confirmation message. I was just the second to sign up - let's get at it, folks.

 

[Lmsundaze]

It seems wrong. However, how inconvenient will it be in reality? I believe that God works in His own ways and who knows if some of the people on the Camino relay will be touched in ways that we can't understand.
I will leave this alone.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

If you oppose the footrace on the Camino sponsored by the Spanish Olympic Committee please go here:
https://www.change.org/p/chuck-cunn...m-organizing-a-race-on-the-camino-de-santiago

 

[SYates]

I think I have the petition up and running please check it out for me and see if it works properly
https://www.change.org/p/chuck-cunn...m-organizing-a-race-on-the-camino-de-santiago

I think, not sure about it, the result should be forwarded to the Olympic Comittee, not to you. Perhaps somebody else knows more? Any yes, I signed it. Buen Camino sin Prisa, SY

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

I think, not sure about it, the result should be forwarded to the Olympic Comittee, not to you. Perhaps somebody else knows more? Any yes, I signed it. Buen Camino sin Prisa, SY

Thank you so much for signing and your advice/support. It means a lot having you behind this endeavor.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Thank you so much for signing and your advice/support. It means a lot having you behind this endeavor.

I'm hoping i can just garner enough/plenty of signatures and send them all in at one time but i'll find out. Seems like it will have more impact that way?

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Thanks Chuck, well done. I just signed. Works fine, I got a confirmation message. I was just the second to sign up - let's get at it, folks.

Right on brother!

 

[Kathor1]

Maybe I can ask if I go get a compostela after walking the Invierno in a few weeks? Someone has to try to keep the process honest.

Since you mentioned the Invierno, there is also this http://www.101peregrinos.com - so that's already a third racing event on the caminos to Santiago ... and we had no idea until today.

I did not have the courage to read through it all, let alone summarize it in English ...

 

[VNwalking]

To object to this Olympic event supposes that there are criteria as to what the Camino can by used for and what it can't...what are these please?

But there are criteria for a compostela. And I can't imagine how a relay team would qualify, or am I missing something?

I think in addition to that, and the whole PR thing, the other thing that gets me going is the 'conquering the camino' bit. But honestly? We should admit to ourselves that there are plenty of walkers who have that attitude.

[Edit--I just signed it too, though I am a bit ambivalent for the same reasons @SYates and @Johnnie Walker have expressed. Chuck, if you want this thing to get some traction, you might also consider a post on the FB Camino group.]

 

[SYates]

But there are criteria for a compostela. And I can't imagine how a relay team would qualify, or am I missing something? ...

Normally you are right, they wouldn't qualify - unless they all run the last 100km and collect 2 sellos per day. Two possible scenarios:

The pilgrims office grants an exemption to that rule.
The Xunta or organizer issues their own fancy Compostela.

BCsP SY

 

[Deleted member 61803]

Wow! I really truly cannot believe that you are so concerned about approx 100 athletes on the Camino in their own country , on their own public paths and roads, that has so many thousand visitors on it yearly. I personally find that very sad. Clearly I will not be visiting that page.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Since you mentioned the Invierno, there is also this http://www.101peregrinos.com - so that's already a third racing event on the caminos to Santiago ... and we had no idea until today.

I did not have the courage to read through it all, let alone summarize it in English ...

Rats! Just when I will be there. The problem I see, beyond getting run over, is finding accomodation for the night. I will have to read this carefully to see where I might be during this event. Was in Pontevedra last year during a marathon and it was hard to find a bed.

 

[JillGat]

Every enjoyable pastime, somebody finds a way to make competitive. I was walking alone on a quiet forested part of the Camino last spring and a couple of guys in bright track suits were driving and parking ahead along the road along the way, then jogging down the trail to tie fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark orange tape to trees and bushes along the way. Looked like there was going to be an ultra-marathon, where people would even be running at night, hence the tape for route-finding. It was tacky looking in a beautiful, natural area and ruined the ambiente of the walk. I think turning the Camino into a race course is a bad idea.

I got the name of the organizer, looked up the address, and wrote him a letter about it. I'm not "telling others how to do their Camino," but I don't have a problem with telling someone how their actions impact me and how I feel about it. They may not have considered this.

 

[JillGat]

But there are criteria for a compostela. And I can't imagine how a relay team would qualify, or am I missing something?

I think in addition to that, and the whole PR thing, the other thing that gets me going is the 'conquering the camino' bit. But honestly? We should admit to ourselves that there are plenty of walkers who have that attitude.

[Edit--I just signed it too, though I am a bit ambivalent for the same reasons @SYates and @Johnnie Walker have expressed. Chuck, if you want this thing to get some traction, you might also consider a post on the FB Camino group.]

They wouldn't necessarily care about the compostela. It's not the only reason people do the Camino.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

To object to this Olympic event supposes that there are criteria as to what the Camino can by used for and what it can't...what are these please?
es

Well, I for one would like to know why I must walk the last 100km to earn a Compostela and these people get it for running 10km on that stretch? Is the criteria now for the Cathedral issuing a Compostela now based on how much one pays? (Sign up fee for the event is 600€, and includes hotels, a Compostela & Pilgrim Mass no less!)

Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall during the Cathedral/Pilgrim Office meeting when this deal was negociated.

Nevermind a petition, I'm going to incite a new reformation.

 

[Mike Trebert]

Sure, presenting this as a pilgrim event might be a bit over the top. After all, none of the participants would qualify for a compostela, whether they will use albergues is unclear, and given the pace they will cover the distance, there are hardly likely disrupt other pilgrims as they reflect on life at a more leisurely pace. I don't really see what the compelling argument is that justifies suggesting it has to be shut down?

There will certainly be a lot of TV coverage - the goal of the whole thing would be to stir up as much publicity as possible to firmly establish the event. TV coverage means hundreds of crew, trucks, support, along each stage (remember, each stage is over 100kms long). Cameras also following the runners along the Camino, maybe on motorcycles like the Tour De France. Expect the intrusive worst. It's not going to be a nice fluffy tippy-toeing mobile knitting circle.

Then if after 10 years if it gets to be big, a dead media mogul's frozen head will buy the whole thing.

Edit: Maybe its being established on a smaller scale so it can be sold in a couple of years as a going concern, for a quick buck or three. If this is the scenario, if there isn't a big investor from the word go, then all the more reason to move against it ASAP.