It’s an issue that won’t go away – in spite of all the running that’s going on.

Many local residents have voiced extreme dissatisfaction with the number and frequency of road race events sanctioned by the city that result in the temporary closure of public streets.

It can’t be denied that there are plenty of them going on. Right up to onset of winter, as witnessed by last weekend’s “Jingle Bell Run.”

The push and pull at play here is the juxtaposition of benefits vs. liabilities in the eyes of those concerned on both sides of the issue.

Many are distressed over the street closures that create detours and delays for motorists and pedestrians alike. Some argue that emergency vehicles are blocked from getting through, while others complain that there are times when they cannot even come and go from their homes during these events.

There is the additional concern that public monies are being used in support of these races.

On the other side, proponents of these events cite that they are almost exclusively organized as fundraisers for worthy causes, and that claims of extensive road access blocking are greatly exaggerated.

Further, the assertion is made that the public funding in question is negligible, and constitutes goodwill participation by the city in supporting worthwhile fundraising efforts that benefit the entire community in the long term.

And so the debate continues. Maybe it is time for civic leaders and elected officials to work with the public to get the situation factually assessed and dealt with once and for all.

The truth is out there somewhere. And after all, you can run but you cannot hide.