The mayor of Morristown has a message for runners: Please stop running along South Street.

Mayor Tim Dougherty said many South Street restaurants are relying on outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic and that there is not enough space for runners, and their customers, to follow social distancing recommendations.

In a post on the town’s ******** page, Dougherty asserted that runners should stay 12 to 16 feet away from others, well beyond state and federal guidelines specifying a minimum 6 feet for all, “due to their heavier breathing.”

“Please consider NOT using South Street as a running path during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dougherty wrote.

“Many of our restaurants are utilizing outdoor dining to keep their businesses afloat. Diners will not be wearing face masks while eating and patronizing these restaurants,” he added.

South Street is a major draw in Morristown’s downtown and also popular with runners, with some using it as a way to reach a nearby county park and its trail network. U.S . Sen. Cory Booker led a group run that culminated on South Street in 2013, during his first campaign for Senate, and a running store is among the businesses on the street.

South Street
South Street in Morristown as seen in October 2019.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for

Dougherty’s request — he made no indication of seeking to enforce a running ban on the street — goes further than Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders aimed at encouraging at least 6 feet of social distancing for everyone in New Jersey.

Murphy regularly runs with his wife, Tammy, and posts photos to social media in which both are shown wearing masks. The governor has mandated face coverings for anyone, not just runners, who are unable to maintain the 6 feet of social distancing.

Dougherty’s request drew support from one local runner, who told NJ Advance Media it made sense. Heather McDermott said barriers were recently placed on South Street, aimed at protecting outdoor diners from cars, and runners generally use the sidewalks.

McDermott said she runs on South Street, but only between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

“In the evening, I just wouldn’t run there. There’s too many people. You don’t want to crash into a waiter with a tray of food,” McDermott said.

She recommended that runners switch to Maple Avenue, which is parallel to South Street.

Dougherty, in his ******** post, noted that runners in Morristown have plenty of other options.

“Morristown has many beautiful side roads, trails and parks that are perfect for our runners and walkers,” the mayor wrote.

This is not Dougherty’s first request pertaining to the coronavirus.

In late April, he asked anyone visiting Morristown’s downtown to wear a face covering and that masks would be provided upon request to anyone contacting town hall.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Originally Posted By Mountaineer92⏩

Originally Posted By SmashinYoungVag⏩