AN OFF-ROAD running event billed as environmentally friendly has damaged a fragile ecosystem on Portland, it has been claimed.

Competitors taking part in an endurance event around Weymouth and Portland were encouraged to pick up litter along the way – to ‘improve the condition of the natural environment,’ according to organisers.

But while keeping the countryside clean, the hundreds of participants may have also have damaged a coastal path.

Retired teacher Elizabeth Farrell was horrified to find the path she walks most days on the western side of the island near Southwell had been ‘churned up’.

Mrs Farrell, aged 65, of Avalanche Road, Portland, says the island is a unique environment for flora and fauna and fears that wild flowers which grow in the area may have been damaged.

She has also expressed concerns about the effect of the damage on wildlife including birds and rare butterflies.

Mrs Farrell complained to adventure company Endurance-life which organised the event, part of its Coastal Trail Series.

Mrs Farrell, who walks her border collie Lucy on the path, said: “It is my belief that this damage to the turf will have a long-lasting effect on the environment.

“I must admit that the state of the path has improved slightly since I first looked and this is because people walking over it have flattened it a little, but I’m not sure if this is a good thing.

“The organisers told me they specialise in off-road events but I wish they would keep to the road. They said competitors wear training shoes, but from the state of the path you’d think they were wearing big boots.”

She added: “Don’t get me wrong, I think the environmentally friendly ethos behind the run is good.

“The path will heal in time but people need to appreciate it isn’t suitable for running on.”

Endurancelife said hundreds of runners would have used the route – a public right of way – in its marathon and half-marathon events which started from the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Company director Gary Jolliffe said problems may have been caused because there was a lot of surface water in the ground after a frost.

Mr Jolliffe described Portland as ‘beautiful and interesting’.

He said the company was keen to hold more events in the area and did not want to upset locals.

Mr Jolliffe said: “The environment is at the forefront of everything we do.

“I would like to apologise for any inconvenience – any problems that were caused were totally unintentional.

“We would be happy to restore the ground.”