Going Crackers at Xmas Free Virtual Run Challenge

There are a number of steps we are planning to implement in order to ensure that all our runners, volunteers and other members of public are kept as safe as possible and to minimise risks. These are based upon current government guidance which may change between now and race when we re-open our events. We will refine these steps over the coming weeks based upon changing guidance and feedback.

Should the government Coronavirus alert levels for the UK increase, or should local lockdown measures be implemented for any of our events and these are not able to take place we will then change this event to a virtual challenge.

We will continually evaluate the information provided by the government on the lead up to your event and hopefully we will be able to deliver your live run challenge. We want to communicate these measures to you in advance of the event to ensure that everyone is prepared before race day and that appropriate social distancing is adhered to, before, during and after the race.

The entire race will safely take place outdoors, including the starting area, aid stations and finish area. As such, the risk of transmission associated with the event is already greatly reduced.

General

Runners and volunteers should not turn up at the event if they have; A fever of ≥38°C on the day of the event; Had any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Such as a new continuous cough, fever, change/loss of taste/smell; Been in contact with anyone who is sick in the past 14 days;Travelled within the past 14 days to any international location with widespread ongoing local COVID-19 transmission. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 up to 7 days after the event should report it to the race organiser and we will email everyone who attended so they can make the choice to isolate or test; High risk individuals or anyone quarantining from travel abroad are advised not to attend the event; All volunteers to be provided with face masks which are optional to wear at outdoor events, Nitrile gloves and hand sanitiser; Spectators / supporters are kindly asked if attending the event to not congregrate in the event hub but to watch from around the course to help keep everyone spread out; Runners should consider their safety and the safety of others when travelling to and from the event. Ideally getting someone from their household to drive them, or if using public transport, ensuring that they are following the advice of the operator concerning distancing and face covering.

The weeks leading up to the race

Final instructions will be emailed to runners a week before the race; Race briefing will be provided by video in advance of the race; Race numbers with an attached timing chip will be posted to runners. If entrants do not receive this 2 days out from the event they should get in contact with us; Registration

There will be no on the day registrations. Toilets will be available at the event. Bag drop will be available however all bags must be labelled and placed in bag storage by the runners and then collected by the same runner. Staff will oversee bag storage but will not handle any items.

Race start

Runners will be expected to turn up at the race start with their running numbers attached and visible, and ready to start when instructed by the team; Rolling start – We will have a staggered start for all events. Group sizes and stagger times will be confirmed as soon as we have more information from the government on event allocations.

During race

Runners will be advised to wear a face covering (however it's not enforced at outdoor events) before and after the race and when within the event hub (e.g. Buff, neck gaiter, face mask). The face covering does not have to be worn whilst running between aid stations; Hand sanitiser will be available at the start and finish of the event. Appropriate social distancing should be respected within the event hub and also when on the run. This applies to respecting all other runners and park users. Water will be available at the event hub and runners will be expected to fill their own bottles. All runners must carry their own bottles / bladders i.e camel backs. Volunteers at the water stations will be continually sanitising surfaces touched by the runners.

Finish area

Toilets will be available at the finish area. If they are not available due to restrictions at the venue, suitable local alternatives will be found. Runners will be encouraged to depart the finish area as soon as possible after completing the race. Medals will be laid out on tables for collection by successful runners. Trophies or winners prizes will be handed out promptly rather than at an award ceremony.

Medical cover

The medical team will be located at the start and finish location so they can observe people entering and leaving for monitoring purposes, but will only get involved if they see an issue. The medical team will wear face masks and gloves (as usual) and we will require runners to wear a face mask when we are interacting with them in close proximity and also require them to use gel sanitiser. Refusal to wear a mask or sanitise means the runner won’t be treated unless there is an urgent requirement to treat something serious. Anyone exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms should not attend. If anyone exhibits symptoms at the event they can be asked to leave at the discretion of the medical team via the race director.

It is vital that we adhere to government guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved with the race. It goes without saying that any runners who are feeling unwell in the weeks leading up to the event should not be running the race. Here's to bringing live events back and to seeing you all soon. We will make sure we create a safe but fun and super friendly environment for all!