With something about the fresh air and rhythmic shuffle of the feet, running for many is less a grueling exercise and more like meditation on foot. This story from Asheville, North Carolina however, is enough to break the trance for all those who never thought being out for a run could do much harm!
Flickr/Peter Mooney
Asheville, is a city known for its mountains and natural beauty with many parks and recreational facilities. Amongst them, the 1,100-acre Pinnacle Park, has been an ideal location for numerous runners and joggers who find its natural trails a perfect escape! All this has changed however with a freakish accident that has all patrons on edge.
While out for a run recently, a man tripped over something sharp on the path injuring his foot severely. A closer inspection of the grounds revealed not a tree root or a rock as the cause of the fall, but rather a long nail, which seemed to be purposely nailed to the ground.
When a second runner on a different trail reported another nail going through his shoe and barely missing his foot, the parks security knew they had a bigger problem on their hands.
Screnshot via NewsInc
Pinnacle Park was immediately closed down to the public as police and volunteers scavenged the entire area for more signs of nail vandalism. According to Brian Barwatt, who is an engineer with the Department of Transportation and also a race director for the Black Rock trail race held in Pinnacle Park each year:
“We’re literally blowing every leaf off trail, and following behind with metal detectors. It was a deliberate effort. Someone hammered 4-inch long galvanized nails and left them sticking out a half- to 1 inch, and at an angle so they’re like spikes.”
Reports claim that a total of 40 nails were found throughout the park trails, lodged into tree roots and logs. Brian added:
“It’s hard to believe someone would do this and put a lot of effort in to doing this. … We want to assure people we’re taking this very seriously and taking care of it swiftly.”
After an extensive inspection of the over 1,000 acres, the police finally reopened the park to the public. The Black Rock race will also go on as previously scheduled. However, authorities are still on the hunt for the person(s) responsible for such a vicious act and is offering a reward of $1,000 for any leads that can result in an arrest and conviction.
his video shows how the nails were completely undetectable at first!
Our natural parks are a place for peace and relaxation until someone chooses to disrupt the order and cause harm! We are thankful that the police and volunteers in Asheville were able to avert any further injuries and reopen the park so quickly. But for all of us, it’s a lesson to always be vigilant and mindful of our surroundings no matter how unthreatening they appear!
