UTS 2021: Postponed
Dear Runner,
Due to ongoing uncertainty with regards to when larger (>100) outdoor events may be able to go ahead in Wales this year, we have sadly made the decision to postpone this year’s UTS to our backup weekend (as advertised on the event webpage) of 10-12th September. All UTS entrants have now been informed of their refund/race swap options moving forward.
This may come as a surprise to some, given the latest ‘roadmap out of lockdown’ recently issued by the UK Government, and I have received a few emails from frustrated runners questioning why the decision to postpone has been made amidst what feels like a more optimistic outlook for UK events this year. Unfortunately for UTS, this roadmap is overridden by the Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Alert Level guidelines, the details of which can be found HERE.
As the covid situation continues to convalesce and Wales moves down the Alert Levels (currently at Level 4, with a planned de-escalation to Level 3 on 22nd April), organised outdoor events of <30/50/100 will be able to take place. But so far there has been no guidance issued as to when, or if, events of over 100 will be allowed to return to Wales, therefore we have no option but to postpone UTS and hope for the best come September.
This is of course highly frustratingly for all organisers of outdoor events in Wales, as we look set to once again be forced to sit back and watch larger events go ahead this summer east of the border, whilst our own businesses and associated supply chains face yet further financial strain.
Should such draconian and unfounded restrictions still be in place by September, I would like to reassure the ultrarunning community that I have every intention of hosting a reduced-scale, invitational version of UTS, as we had planned to do last year. While this doesn’t make much sense from a financial perspective, I feel it would be a valuable endeavour, to keep the UTS dream alive, as well as act as a marketing investment for 2022.
On a more positive note, it’s looking more likely that events of up to 100 will return to Wales this summer, so we are planning as if the new, Race Across Snowdonia™ will go ahead in July, though it will be strictly capped at 100 entries (40 taken currently). More info: www.raceacrosssnowdonia.com
We’re also currently exploring the feasibility of bringing the new Slate Trail Ultra™ & Daffodil Trail™ events forward from October to 25-27th June (TBC) as there are currently plenty of entries available for this event too. Again, entries will be limited to 100 per race. More info: www.slatetrailultra.com
Throughout next month, UTS will be hosting an UTWT Virtual Club event. This is free to enter so if it’ll help keep you motivated for September, please keep an eye on the website HERE.
There are now just over five months until the third Ultra-Trail® Snowdonia, so when restrictions ease, it’ll be time to find those climbing legs and get ready for the UK’s most spectacular ultra!
Hopefully I'll see you in Snowdonia this September, if not before.
Michael Jones − Ultra-Trail® Snowdonia Race Director
