As many, if not all of you are well aware, the year 2020 with the worldwide spread of the coronavirus has been one for the history books to say the least. A large majority of sporting events across the globe have had to make precise accommodations in order to keep their participants and spectators safe and healthy; from postponements to cancellations, it is understandable that many race directors are at a loss as to what steps to take to avoid losing their 2020 races altogether. Luckily, there are actually a large flurry of options available to you to make sure that your 2020 event can still take place in a healthy and safe manor.
Wave/ Staggered Starts
a. Wave starts and staggered starts are always a great way to combat large crowds at your starting line. By implementing a 5-10 person staggered start with a chip start in place, all of your participants will be able to not only practice social distance protocols, but will also avoid clumping up while on the course. And by providing chip starts (meaning no one’s time will begin until they cross the start line) there are no unfair advantages for those who start in the first wave compared to those who start in the final wave. Another helpful tip is to provide visual markers/ reminders for your participants as to how they can properly distance themselves from other participants. Starting your race in smaller increments rather than a mass start is a great and effective option to consider for your next event just so long as the plan is in place before the day of your event.
Maximum Participant Caps
a. We fully understand that in many parts of the U.S. there have been maximum gathering size requirements and restrictions set in place. But fear not! Another option available to any and all of our race directors has the ability to accommodate these restrictions in one simple step. If you live in an area where number restrictions on events is in place, you can always opt for a maximum participant count. This option allows you to set a specific number of allowed participants on your event, cutting off registration as soon as that number has been reached. This easily allows you to follow and abstain to city and statewide ordinances all the while keeping your event right on track.
Go Virtual
a. The year 2020 has seen a drastic increase in the number of virtual events offered across not only the nation but even the world. And more and more runners are finding themselves running competitive events in the comfort of their own backyards. Going virtual means giving your participants the option to run your event with minimal physical contact with any other participant.
Masks and Social Distancing
a. Everyone knows what this means and how helpful these 2 tips can be if practiced correctly. Of course no one expects your runners to run the whole race with their masks on, and that isn’t where it is most necessary anyway. But requiring face coverings and social distancing at packet pickup locations, pre race ceremonies, and post race parties is an effective way to keep you, your volunteers, and your participants safe an healthy. You can encourage social distancing by providing small visual marks on the groups of your venue that show what a distance of 6 ft looks like. This acts as a visual and a reminder that all participants and spectators can follow in order to appropriately distance themselves from others.
Sanitation Equipment
a. Fight the spread of germs and bacteria by providing plenty of sanitation equipment at your event. Bottles of hand sanitizer anywhere that physical contact might occur. Places such as packet pickup, aid stations, concession stands, etc. are all the most common areas where participants and volunteers may encounter close quarters. Not only will this provide peace of mind for all involved, but it will also help to keep everyone safe and clean.
Pre-packaged Food Options
a. If your race is providing food, pre or post, for your participants, may we suggest going all pre-packaged goods. Granola bars, cookies, water bottles, Gatorade, all of these are great examples of foods and refreshments that you can buy pre=packaged with the comfort of knowing that none of the food has been previously handled by another individual or individuals.
Communicate
a. This should be priority number one when it comes to making drastic changes to your race days plans, because not only your plans are changing that day, all of your participants are as well. Being clear and prompt in updating your runners is the best way to avoid any confusion and also to ease their minds in these uncertain times. Make sure to communicate!