Many runners are still on the hunt for races for the 2020 season, and we here at TCR Event Management are trying to provide. With smaller races in the area, we are able to follow CDC Guidelines for our events, all while still having fun and showing off that competitive spirit!
On August 11th, the Talbot County Council voted on an emergency act that limits most gatherings down to 50 persons... TOTAL. Normally this would kill an event, but they ARE allowing us to provide a COVID-19 mitigation strategy document. We wanted to take a moment and share with you, what some of those PROPOSED mitigation strategies might be.
Just for clarification, IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE RACING, DON'T RACE! We will give you a deferal to next year, and all will be right with the world.
Just added these to our website at www.HistoricDrawbridgeHalf.com.
Remember, these are proposed, and may change based on recommendations.
COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies (Proposed) - We have submitted our plan to the Talbot County Health Department and are awaiting any feedback on our plan. We just wanted to take a moment and give you an idea of what we have proposed. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please reach out to us and we will work together on it.
Pre-Event Strategies One of the most important is this site, and all of its tools. We are utlizing electronic communication as much as possible. We will also put the newest information up on the site, as soon as it is feasible. This site is the best location for up to the minute information.
Packet pickup will have options. We are going to offer both a MAILING option, as well as a DRIVE THROUGH packet pickup, at the Maritime Museum, the night before the race. Either way, no standing in line for your packet!
We are encouraging you to follow CDC recommendations such as: Don't show up if you are feeling ill or have flu-like symptoms. Don't share fluids and carry yoru own fluids to avoid contact with others on course. Don't share food/towels/gels/etc. Use hand sanitizer before and after using a portable toilet. No Snot Rockets! Practice Social Distancing. Avoid large group selfies.
In addition, you will get an email with a short questionnaire that you will need to complete, closer to the event. A copy of this questionnaire can be found at www.cdc.gov/screening
EVENT DAY STRATEGIES Lots to do on race day... but if we want to HAVE a race day, there are small things that have to change for 2020.
Our staff and volunteers will ALWAYS have a mask and gloves on.
You, the runner, should have a mask as well, except when you are running. This is going to be key when we talk about areas such as the buses, and the Start line area.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
We will be providing MORE portable toilets at the Start and Finish area. We will also have 2 (or 3, depending on how many sign up) on course, at around the halfway mark. Hand sanitizing stations will be EVERYWHERE. This includes the Start line, the Finish Line, every aide station, every portable toilet, and just for good measure, each athlete will be given their own bottle as well
Buses, that take athletes to the start line (you park at the Finish) will have a maximum of number of people, as defined by the bus company. WE ARE WORKING ON SOME TYPE OF SHUTTLE SERVICE, SHOULD YOU WANT TO PARK NEAR THE FINISH, AND BE TAKEN BACK, BUT THIS IS STILL IN PLANNING.
Temperature checks will be taken, prior to the start. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or over (as per the CDC guideline) will not be allowed to participate.
Athletes should take hydration and nutrition with them on course. Our aide stations are going to consist of sealed 8oz bottles of Water and Gatorade (so if you can't chug it down, it's smaller for you to carry), as well as sealed energy gels and bars. Please note, these will be out on a table for you to take. NO ONE WILL BE HANDING YOU ANY PRODUCT.
Starting line will be done with no more than 10 people (number may reduce), launched every 10 seconds. THIS EVENT WILL BE CHIP TIMED, AND YOUR TIME DOES NOT START UNTIL YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE. For you seasoned runners, this means that there is no GUNSHOT time, so run hard, there could be a really fast person that started a few minutes behind you (though the gap should be no more than 5 minutes until we get everyone launched).
Once we are able to determine what the "gap" would be from the first runners starting, to when the last runners start, we will be able to determine your age group and overall placing upon completion. If you win your age group, you may pick up your award at the tent, and grab some pics, but there WILL NOT BE A FORMAL AWARDS CEREMONY.
Hot food will be available, in to-go containers, and athletes will be encouraged to soical distance themselves at the conclusion of the event.
-------------------------
We hope that these ideas and concepts seem approachable to you. If you happen to have a suggestion, or other solution for some of the problems that COVID-19 has brought to events, please feel free to reach out directly to me at jason@tcreventmanagement.com
We hope to see you in November. Be well. Be kind. Be safe!
Comments