Guidance Post COVID-19 Road Map for Race Organisers and Event Adjudicators

As a reminder for the guidance to Race Organisers is that they should still be conscious that COVID-19 has not gone away, especially as we approach the depths of winter.

The advice for volunteers, attendees, officials, and participants is still pertinent.

Organisers should still consider –

Reducing Touch Points

·         Reducing the amount time athletes congregate within start areas

·         Move athletes quickly out of finish areas

·         Not providing Baggage or Changing facilities, or if you do ensure protection for volunteers and cleansing.

·         Send out race numbers

·         If providing medals/goody bags devise a self-service system

·         Reducing the amount of water stations, both on the course and at the finish (or provide no water at the finish, however it assists in aid of rehydration in longer distances).

Organisers, if reducing water provision from the current rules should give plenty of warning to athletes about what provision is being made.

*Source runbritain COVID-19 Q&A

Q. What are the recommendations for water / aid stations?

The use of feed and drinks stations by participants should be minimised where possible and participants encouraged to bring their own hydration and nutrition to the event using runners’ bottles, bottle belts and hydration backpacks etc. Any drinks stations which are used, should be configured to minimise contact with event staff and wait times and should be correctly cleansed. The general recommendations for course water stations are as follows.

For races 10 miles or less: water station on course is non-mandatory, any additional requirements left to the discretion of the Race Organiser whilst undertaking a risk assessment. Considering, course profile, time of race, weather variances.

Half Marathons: one water station, any additional requirements left to the discretion of the Race Organiser whilst undertaking a risk assessment. Considering, course profile, time of race, weather variances.

Marathons and above: two water stations, any additional requirements left to the discretion of the Race Organiser whilst undertaking a risk assessment. Considering, course profile, time of race, weather variances.

This has been approved by UKA Road Running/Multi Terrain Doctor (Natasha Beach)

Although this is contrary to Rules of Competition 2020-2022, we confirm that Race Organisers will still be covered by UKA Insurance if they make any reduction in water provision and follow the above.

Event Adjudicators should not Red Flag events that have reduced water provision unless this has caused an increase in related casualties.