The 2020 Autumn 100 is scheduled to take place over the weekend of 10th-11th October. Whilst continuing to monitor all possible information, our intention is to organise this race and to do so in the safest possible manner. We have looked extensively at every single aspect of event weekend and the plan below goes as far as possible to reduce risk of transmission as possible.
Ultimately the event can be conducted safely, within government guidelines, almost entirely outdoors and with social distancing possible at all stages. All staff and volunteers will be provided with full PPE.
Things that can remain close to or the same as a ‘regular’ Autumn 100 (this is our ninth edition of the race):
- Start and Finish
- Number of check points
- Medical support
- Number of volunteers
- Number of staff
- Timing system
- Course Marking
- Course Sweeping
- Pacer Access
- Overall timings and cut offs
- Full Insurance
- UKA Permit
We must accept that for the time being, racing in the traditional sense with a mass start and regular aid stations is not going to be possible - UKA permit guidelines dictate that mass starts are not permitted. But with the following adaptations to our regular event weekend, we can mitigate for the risks concerned, whilst delivering a great race weekend with as much of the traditional framework maintained as possible. Long distance trail races are by their very nature, largely self supported endeavours travelled solo or in a pair at relatively slow speeds. Therefore many of the traditional ‘issues’ of mass participation or road events are completely removed.
We expect approximately 240 starters and for there to be approximately 170 finishers.
The following articles are where the 2020 A100 has additional or adapted protocols specifically to reduce the risk of transmission. All must be adhered to and should be looked at as an extension of the regular race rules. All of the usual race information applies, these items are in addition to that information:
Two overriding principals apply:
- Social distancing along government guidelines is mandatory and entirely possible at every stage of event weekend. Runners, volunteers, staff and pacers should all maintain social distancing at all times.
- Gatherings of runners/ volunteers or any groups should be kept to a minimum.
PRE RACE
- If any runner, pacer, volunteer or staff member has had any symptoms related to COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to race day then they must not attend the event.
- Runners are not permitted crews at this event - that is not a rule change but a stipulation from 2019.
- Runners are permitted one pacer, from mile 75 to mile 100. That pacer must cover the entire 25 miles with the runner and may not start or stop anywhere other than Goring, race HQ.
- Runners must provide in advance of race day the name, email address and phone number of any person who is pacing during the event - such that if an infection is reported post race, we can hear from them or contact them immediately depending on circumstances.
- Spectators are asked not to attend the race anywhere on course.
- Runners must ensure their medical details and postal address are up to date on the race director registration system.
RACE REGISTRATION
- Runners will not need to register on race day itself. All bib numbers with timing chips attached will be posted out prior to the race.
- Registration will still be available at Goring Village Hall for bag drop, toilets, emergency bib collection (if a runner forgets or did not receive his or her bib). Runners must only attend registration if they have to, and should make plans to move directly from there to the start to begin their race. Changing and showers are not available.
- There will be no kit check prior to the start, runners must have all mandatory equipment on you at all times as per the normal race rules. Random kit checks will be carried out on course as usual by staff in full PPE.
- Bag drop: Queue for bag drop (finish and checkpoint drop bags) will be socially distanced and marshalled. Bags must be pre-labelled prior to arrival. Bags will be handled by volunteer or staff in PPE but bags will be placed against other bags and therefore runners should sanitise hands before and after collection.
- Toilets: Will be kept clean and sanitised
- There will be no ‘in person’ Race Briefing, The briefing will be recorded via video and the link shared 72 hours prior to the start.
- Runners may start whenever they wish between 0630 and 0900 but we ask you to be as honest with your projected finish time as you can be and aim for the following approximate starting windows:
- Start: There will be a rolling start. Runners may start any time between 0630 and 0900. If runners miss the 0900 start they may not start the race. Runners may not start before 0630 as the timing system will not be set up before then.
- Final Start time: 0900
- 26-28hr: 0800-0830
- 24-26hr: 0730-0800
- 22-24hr: 0700- 0730
- Sub 22hr: 0630-0700
- All runners will have their temperature checked at the start from a socially distanced volunteer or staff in full PPE/ face shield - via a temperature gun. Runners exhibiting temps above 37.8C will not be permitted to start. Runners should expect not to wait at the start for any reason, just to walk up, have their temperature taken and begin their race immediately. When runners cross the timing mat their time will begin and they will have 28 hours maximum to complete the event from the time they cross the mat.
- Runners can start with or run with other runners in the event, but only in groups up to 6 maximum and must maintain social distancing at all times. Marshals will ensure social distancing is maintained throughout the start area. Solo runners can begin within intervals of 30 seconds of one another. Pairs or Groups will need to leave 60 seconds after the previous runner/ runners. The trail is wide from the start with plenty of room for groups to pass one another and other trail users whilst maintaining social distance if overtaking.
- Runners are asked please keep group sizes to a minimum out on the trail to make as much space as possible for other trail users, particularly on this out and back course.
- No Spectators , pacers or crew will be permitted at the start except to drop a runner off.
IN RACE
- Gates and stiles: Runners should not touch any gate or stile with uncovered hands eg. wear gloves or cover hands with sleeves to use. If touching gates or stiles with uncovered hands, to use sanitiser before and after.
- Markings: Will be laid out as normal. Volunteers and staff laying markings will wear appropriate PPE where necessary.
- Masks/ PPE: Any indoor location you visit, you must wear a mask. We will have disposable masks available at the entrance to all indoor checkpoints but runners should bring their own - a buff will suffice. Runners will not be permitted in any indoor location without a mask on.
- Staff/ Volunteers are to wear PPE (gloves and masks) at all times indoors and/ or when performing duties in or outdoors.
- Check Point etiquette: Each checkpoint will be split into two or three mini check points. Arriving at the checkpoint, runners may just run past making sure their time is recorded by the timing beacon, or head into the tent/ hall. A staked funnel with social distancing imposed will be laid out for runners coming to use the aid. All runners must use sanitiser as they enter a checkpoint. If any of 2 or 3 mini checkpoints are empty, then a runner can come straight in. The checkpoints will be tables set out length ways, with one volunteer managing each table. Runners will top up their bottles from the drinks provided and take any food that they need. One volunteer will marshal the entry process into the checkpoint/ sanitiser use and ensure no gathering in the check point area. Runners will take fluid and nutrition, then sanitise their hands again before moving out of the checkpoint on down the course.
- Race HQ: One unique part of the Autumn 100 is that runners return to race HQ at Goring every 25 miles. Clearly that creates a major area of congestion and the biggest challenge of the race from a social distancing/ gathering stand point. There will be a one way system in operation at the Village Hall to use the entire of the available space, this has been appraised and set up in conjunction with the Hall managers. On arriving at the Village Hall, runners will proceeed down the alleyway to the right of the building when facing it. And through the gate into the substantial walled garden area to the rear of the building. The walled garden will be set up as a fully functioning aid station, with tented areas for food, drinks and hot drinks. Drop Bags will be stored there and/or in the Garden Room to the rear of the hall, and accessible to runners as they come in. Runners may then proceed to the toilets inside, or to the main hall area in a one way system, before exiting via the front doors.
- Runners will serve themselves drinks, including refilling bottles and bladders. The normal three fluid options will be provided: Water, Tailwind and Coke/ Pepsi. All food will be served in single serve packets only (once again hands are to be sanitised on the way in and out of every check point). The minimum food provided at every check point will be (single serve packets/ items):
- Cut Up banana
- Satsumas
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Crisps
- Savoury Snacks such as sausage rolls
- Malt loaf or cake bars
- Mini Cheese/ Babybel
- Gu Energy Gel Packets
- Tailwind
- Coke/ Pepsi
- Water
- Hot Drinks: The check points providing hot water are unchanged. Runners will be given packeted milk, tea bags, coffee and sugar with wooden stirrers to make their hot drink in the hot cup that they bring as part of their mandatory kit as usual.
- There will be no hot food anywhere on course apart from the finish.
- All of our sweepers will wear PPE/ gloves. Markings will be deposited at check points on arrival in bin bags and tied up.
- Minibus: The sweeper minibus will operate as normal, our regular 17 seater bus. The maximum capacity of that bus will be 8 people including the driver to ensure social distancing and windows will be open as far as practical. The bus will be wiped down and sanitised after each use. Runners using the sweeper bus must wear a mask whilst on board. The driver will wear a mask whilst driving the vehicle.
- Cut offs: Are as per normal - but are not fixed times during the rolling start. Any runner that misses a cut off will be informed at that check point or at worst, the following checkpoint if they are missed initially. Runners must stay within their relative cut offs for each check point.
- The medical team will operate a “Non” Standby at Aid Stations policy, but will attend when called in. Ambulance Crews will be attending every incident in a minimum of Level 2 PPE (Gloves, Mask, Apron, Eye Protection) and reserves the right to pull anyone suspected of exhibiting Covid-19 Symptoms from the race with immediate effect. Where a runner, volunteer or crew exhibits COVID-19 Symptoms on race day, they are to be isolated from all other participants. They will then need to be returned to “Home” to self isolate and arrange a swab test.
- Logistics vehicles: There will be full provision of wipes and sanitiser and spray in each vehicle.
- General Public/ Other trail users: As always, runners should give way AT ALL TIMES to other trail users and be especially courteous when passing walkers, bikers and riders. To make sure to maintain social distancing when passing any other user and particularly through pinch points on narrow trail or through gates and stiles to stand well back where appropriate and allow others to pass safely and at distance.
FINISH
- Runners will be encouraged to move on as soon as possible from the finish line, unless medical attention is required. A static medical team will work the finish as usual.
- Award collection: Awards will be laid out on tables for collection by each runner
- Provision of hand sanitizer will be available at all stages, the finish, the food and the drop bag collection areas.
- Photographer will operate as normal, but socially distanced.
- Food and Drink will be in single serve packs: Hot drinks, hot water, basic single serve supplies. Takeaway hot dog or veggie dog will be provided, pre wrapped and prepared.
- Runners must take immediate onward transport with family, friends or taxi to hotel/ home.
- No Changing or showers are available. Toilets are available and will be cleaned hourly.
POST RACE
- Any runner, pacer, staff member or volunteer must contact us if they show any Covid-19 symptoms within 7 days of the race.
- If there is any reported transmission or risk of transmission post race then all parties with any possible risk will be contacted.
