We’ve seen thousands flock to pubs, and hundreds wait in line for hairdressers, but what will races look like post-Covid-19?
There will be some events that will struggle to go ahead in the short term as the safety of participants will be the main focus for organisers. For the ones that can safely put on a race later in the year and make it a great experience there will be plenty of new procedures to consider for the events teams and racers.
Event organisers are right now working to get the right mix of safety and practicality whilst still ensuring the events are fun. The following is only a small insight into the level of planning they will be putting into place so you and their staff stay safe.
Self-service aid stations, collect your own medals and virtual race briefings, are among features that will become a runner’s ‘new normal’, according to global events company, Ultra X, whose autumn/winter races are scheduled to go ahead as planned through their work with epidemiologists and medical professionals to create their COVID Transmission Mitigation Policy.
1. Health Screening – Runners will complete a health questionnaire 48 hours before their event, and temperatures will be checked on arrival.
2. Bib collection – Individual time slots will be allocated for check-in and bib collection to avoid non-essential gatherings.
3. Kit checks – Kit checks will be conducted at random on course by staff wearing PPE. Pauses will be recorded and times adjusted accordingly.
4. Physical distancing – Physical distancing measures will be in place and marshals will ensure runners observe appropriate spacing.
5. Race start – The race may be staggered over a large window of up to one hour, with physical distancing measures maintained throughout.
6. Race briefings – Race briefings will be conducted virtually. Competitors will be sent a briefing video link during the week before their event.
7. Aid stations – Aid stations will be set up for runners to serve themselves, in order to minimise touch points with crew members.
8. Sleeping areas – Campsite accommodation will be expanded and competitors will be given designated sleeping areas.
9. Finish Line – Finish areas will be optimised to minimise contact and medals will be collected, rather than presented.
