North Downs Way 100^®

COVID-19

The 2021 North Downs Way 100 comes after the 19th July 2021 planned date for removal of restrictions. 

For two reasons, we will need a few Covid secure protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone at the event including but not limited to runners, volunteers, staff and crew.

Firstly, the planned date for easing of restrictions may yet again move but we are in a position where for a whole host of reasons, we need to make final decisions on the race logistics, now, 6 weeks out from race day. 

Secondly, we don't quite know what removal of all restrictions will mean for Athletics events and the terms of our permits. The changes below are relatively minor and should not greatly impact anyone's day.

All runners will be emailed 4 weeks out from race day with the final details but as it stands, the below will all be in place on race weekend.

PRE RACE PROTOCOLS

If any runner, crew, 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.

All runners and volunteers should make provision to test themselves at home the day before the event and the day afterwards. Free home test kits are available via the NHS from this link. 

All Staff will test for Covid immediately before and after each event.

RACE REGISTRATION PROTOCOLS

There will be no Friday night registration. Registration will be open on Saturday from 0430 until 0550.

Runners will not be kit checked prior to the start, runners must have all mandatory equipment  on them at all times as per the normal race rules. Random kit checks will be carried out across the event from start to finish and at the check points.

Bibs and trackers will be collected on race day, not posted out in advance.

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.

Start: There will be a one hour starting window. Runners can start at any time between 0500 and 0600. Can we ask the faster runners to aim to start earlier in the window please, to create the greatest spread down the course.

IN RACE PROTOCOLS

Masks/ PPE: At the start, finish or any indoor check point location you visit, you will be asked to wear a mask, unless the runner has a mask exemption. Outdoors, masks are not required.

Minibus: The sweeper minibus will operate as normal, our regular 17 seater bus. Runners using the sweeper bus may be asked to wear a mask whilst on board.

Cut offs: Are as per normal - but are not fixed times due to the one hour 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 the relative cut offs for each check point. 

General Public/ Other trail users: As always, runners should give way 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.

POST RACE PROTOCOLS

Any runner, crew 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.