Running to the loot is no problem, as mage you have the same "problem". You run fast enough to pick everything up with ease.

Playing a ranger (I'm level 4 now) seems to be very fast and very funny. It feels quite different from the mage. With dodging around and shooting I cleared the first part of the Broken Valley much faster than on the last runs (and with losing not more than 200 health total). I really look forward to continue this experience... tomorrow.;)