Help bring back UK running events
We’re inviting you to help mass participation running events return by taking part in one of three 5K races organised by London Marathon Events at Kempton Park in Surrey on Saturday 15 May 2021, as part of the government’s Events Research Programme.
By taking part you will be playing an important role in helping running and other mass participation sporting events return safely and with spectators.
You’re invited to sign up for any one of the three 5K races being held on Saturday 15 May. Entry is £15 (to cover the costs of organising the event), each event will be timed and you will receive a special finisher’s medal.
The races start at 08:30-09:30, 11:45-12:00 and 15:30-15:45.
Each race will be slightly different (find out more here), to enable the organisers to gather a variety of information about Covid-19 transmission outdoors. The minimum entry age is 18 for both runners and spectators and the clinically vulnerable and pregnant are advised not to attend.
Spectators (who can attend free of charge), like runners, will need to register in advance (you’ll receive more information about this in a confirmation email after signing up) and spectator access to the venue will be limited to those who’ve registered.
Key information
Please note that you, and any spectators who come to watch you, will need to agree to and do the following in order to take part:
- Take a Covid-19 lateral flow test on Friday 14 May – which can be sent to you. We’ll send you more details once you’ve signed up
- Provide evidence that your lateral flow test was negative to gain entry to the event
- Attendees are also being asked to take pre- and post-event home PCR tests, carried out to inform the research – which will also be sent to you
- Download the official NHS Test and Trace app on your phone ahead of arrival at the event
- Complete a short post-event questionnaire
Runners will need to complete the Reunion 5K in less than 60 minutes.
We appreciate this is different to other events you may have taken part in, but we really hope you will sign up for this landmark event. By doing so, you will be helping running and other mass participation sports events to return with spectators.
We want you to have fun and feel happy and comfortable at the Reunion 5K. This event is part of the government’s Events Research Programme and will help our sport get back to inspiring activity and supporting people’s mental and physical health. If participating will cause you anxiety or if you are worried about Covid-19, we would suggest you don’t sign up.
Please note that if you provide a positive Covid-19 test you will not be permitted to take part and you will be offered a full refund.
There is no requirement for either participants or spectators to display Covid-19 vaccine certification in order to take part.
Further information on the Reunion 5K can be found in these FAQs.
We hope that the results of this important pilot event will help mass participation sports events to return during the second half of 2021 and we really appreciate your help.
Thank you and very best wishes