COVID-19 Precautions and Procedures
It goes without saying that the new-normal is a very strange and different one from what we've traditionally known. These have obviously been very unusual times for participatory events, but the unexpected "pause" of the mostly-shuttered 2020 season has at the very least, given us ample opportunity to plan and prepare for what comes next.
We're very aware that all of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic will open up many questions, and that the well-being of participants, staff and volunteers will be on everyone's minds when people come together again. So without casting a shadow on the amazing weekend we have in store for you, we want to clearly outline the approach we are taking to safely re-launch Trail Fix for 2021.
Plans will of course evolve should circumstances change. Further details will be provided in the racer guide once it is posted, but a general overview is as follows:
We're very aware that all of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic will open up many questions, and that the well-being of participants, staff and volunteers will be on everyone's minds when people come together again. So without casting a shadow on the amazing weekend we have in store for you, we want to clearly outline the approach we are taking to safely re-launch Trail Fix for 2021.
Plans will of course evolve should circumstances change. Further details will be provided in the racer guide once it is posted, but a general overview is as follows:
General Changes:
- The point-to-point format of the inaugural Trail Fix will be postponed for 2021, in favour of a new course design hosted exclusively within Albion Hills. This racecourse will feature four distinct stages ranging between 5km to 7km in length. Teams will complete each stage four times, for a total of 16 legs.
- Registration will be capped in accordance with local and/or provincial health agency guidelines. Should it be deemed necessary (per those guidelines), teams will be split into separate events on Saturday and Sunday of Race Weekend. If not, all teams will race on Saturday September 11.
- Indoor facilities will not be used.
Physical Distancing:
- The race site will be divided into four separate open-area zones, to which teams will be pre-assigned. These zones will be your team's home base for the day while not out on-course. Click here for an overview.
- Each zone will be provided its own check-in area, portable toilets and handwashing station.
- Each zone will be assigned separate Race Start times, and the teams within each zone will be given a designated starting stage (eg. teams in Zone 'A' might start at x:xx and be assigned to start on Stage 1)
- No photo stations, formal awards ceremonies or central gatherings will be hosted.
- Pre-race briefings will be delivered online in video format in the week leading up to Race Weekend. Teams will also be invited to an app-based messaging system to receive Race Day announcements and notifications.
Minimizing Contact Points:
- Each runner will be assigned their own timing card (rather than passing a ‘baton’ style card).
- New contactless check-in process, with all team materials pre-kitted.
- Each zone will have boxed meals delivered to their tent space (no BBQ or buffet-style meals).
- Teams will be responsible for their own fluids (no water stations).
Handwashing, Sanitizing and Personal Protective Equipment:
- Racers will be asked to wear masks anytime while not on-course.
- Masks will be provided to race staff and volunteers.
- Locations where racers interact with race staff such as the timing and download stations will have shielded barriers.
- Handwashing units in each zone will be supplemented by free-standing hand sanitizer stations.
- Washroom facilities will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
Where We'll Need Your Help:
- First and foremost is of course, maintaining physical distancing before and during the race.
- Traditional race interactions such as high-fives and team hugs just can't happen for the time being.
- As weird as it may sound, our more "subconscious" race habits such as snot-rockets and spitting need to be suppressed as well.
- Spectators cannot be allowed. As unusual as it is, please do not bring friends or family to the Race Site.
Should you have any questions regarding any of these points, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Your Storm Racing Team
