Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Policy

Dear APEX Runner,

This article has been written to outline what procedures shall be in place for this year’s UTS, in order to reassure entrants, plus the many other stakeholders of this event, including the communities the routes pass through, that we are taking all necessary steps to mitigate the risk of any Covid-19 transmission occurring at the event.

Please note the below points are subject to change, so please check back often. These points may well also be in effect at all APEX Running events for the foreseeable future.

PRE-RACE

• Mandatory Race Briefing: This will be available to view online, and a link will be sent to all competitors in the days leading up to the event. You MUST watch it, so you are aware of any last-minute changes to the event/course etc.
• Common Sense: Runners who are experiencing any possible Covid-19 symptoms, including but not limited to: high temperature, dry cough etc., will be asked not to attend the event.
• Pre-Registration: Before entering the Race HQ vanue, all runners must report to the black gazebo located near the entrance, along with anyone who is attending the event/crewing etc. Here, temperatures will be taken (by use of handheld laser-style thermometer) while you are still in your car, if relevant. Any runner with elevated temperature of >37.2°C will be a cause for concern for the Medical Team Leader, who will enforce their discretion as to whether a runner/event attendee displaying a temperature above this may start, following a quick conversation to assess any non-virus related reasons why their reading may be elevated. Any runner/event attendee with a temperature above 37.8°C will not be allowed to enter the venue or start the race regardless and shall be asked to leave the venue immediately.
• Event Team: Volunteers must also have their temperature taken at the same location, prior to being issued with PPE (facemasks, several pairs of nitrile gloves and access to hand sanitiser) and thus allowed to enter the venue and work on the event.
• Race Registration: A ‘Race Pack’ containing each runner’s race bib, map, T-shirt, GPS tracker, etc. shall be placed in a clear plastic bag. They will all be laid out on tables in the main marquee in an easily identifiable manner, so runners can simply collect them at any time, without interacting with any member of the Event Team.
• To avoid runners lingering in long queues, entrants shall receive a 20-minute window during which they should collect their Race Pack.
• During Registration: At any time that it is practicable to do so, at least half of the sides of the main marquee shall remain open, to maximise the throughflow of fresh air. Please bring suitable warm clothing to wear while queuing for registration or being anywhere near Race HQ, after the event, etc.
• Drop-Bag Deposit: As per the event rules, all drop bags must be fully waterproof, for secure storage outdoors and not exceed 30L capacity. The area to deposit them prior to your race will be outside this year, next to the main marquee. You will be expected to locate your own drop bag at the relevant checkpoint. They will be laid out in a conspicuous area, in numerical order, based on start bibs.

DURING RACE

• Race Start: For the race field sizes we are predicting (<30), there is ample space available to start everyone simultaneously, with 2m+ social distancing between all runners. We feel the added complexity to the event that numerous start waves would pose and the knock-on effect this will have of keeping our Mountain Safety Team on-hill for longer, plus how the checkpoint cut-off times would be managed and enforced fairly for different wave starts, etc. outweighs the minimal potential risk of having everyone start together. All race routes begin with a long ascent of Moel Siabod, which will act to further spread the field out long before arrival at the first checkpoint.
• Once in the start gantry, all runners will be required to start the race wearing a face mask, which may then be removed once out of the event HQ field. This must always then be carried throughout the event and must be applied whenever assistance from a marshal, rescue team member, etc. is required.
• At any pinch points on the route (gates/stiles etc.), please use common sense and queue 2m+ from the next runner.
• Upon entry to and leaving all checkpoints, runners must use the hand sanitiser that will be available in an obvious location. To avoid any crowding and non-adherence to social distancing regulations, you may have to queue for a short time before being permitted access to the checkpoint. Wherever possible, the checkpoint drink/food tables then seating area shall be laid out in a one-way system, so please follow this advice upon entry.
• You will be required to fill your own flasks/bladder etc. We always have an outstanding team of checkpoint volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty to help the runners, but this year please do your bit by being fully self-sufficient. All food will be displayed in trays under cake domes. You must only use the tongs and/or scoops provided to help yourself to food. Sandwich bags will also be available for you to take food away with you to eat on the go.
• There will be NO cups for you to use. You must bring your own cup, suitable for hot and cold beverages, as per the mandatory kit requirements. This will be covered in the race briefing video, so do not assume you can claim ignorance and borrow a cup at any checkpoints. There will not be any available.
• Kit Check: Due to elimination from this at registration, runners must be aware that this will be checked on-course. This will involve being asked to present a minimum of 3x random items of mandatory equipment, witnessed by an Event Team member, at 1x undisclosed checkpoint.
• Drop Bags: As mentioned above, you will be expected to locate your own drop bag at the relevant checkpoint. They will be laid out in a conspicuous area, in numerical order, based on start bibs.
• On-Course Etiquette: All runners must be prepared to observe social distancing at all times and slow down/stand aside to allow members of the public to pass and be passed safely without issue. Runners should call from behind “passing on the left/right” if they wish to pass a slower runner. The slower runner must run/walk on the relevant side of the trail before being passed, allowing the widest possible distance between each other.
• All checkpoints buildings shall be thoroughly cleaned following use by a local, accredited cleaner (Cnicht Cleaning Services) who will disinfect the property to an appropriate standard. During checkpoint operation hours, wherever possible, doors will remain open to allow an optimal throughflow of fresh air.
• Course marker sweepers will have disinfectant spray and cloths to give all gate handles/contact points etc., that runners may have interacted with a wipe down.

POST-RACE

• You must remove your pack and return your GPS tracker to the finish line basket, for disinfecting.
• Upon finishing, effective social distancing must be practiced at all times, especially when/if consuming your post-race meal and drink.
• Finisher’s certificates for 165 participants shall be posted out after the race.
• Showers at HQ will only be offered if it is safe to do so, following government guidelines, so please do not expect them to be present this year and prepare to make use of alternatives at accommodation etc. As per last year there will be porta-loos and open-air urinals.
• Drop bags will be deposited back at Race HQ in the same place you dropped them off. Please be patient when awaiting their arrival as they are unlikely to arrive before midnight on Saturday. Finish-line drop bags for all runners may be left at their own risk in the designated area, outdoors at Race HQ.
• Sadly, there will be no prize presentation this year. Top-3 overall and age group category winners will be able to collect their prizes from the main marquee once they are available. Please ensure you have your photo taken by the photographer! From this year onwards, there will also be a nice large ‘Finisher’ backdrop for all runners to sign and have their photo taken against.
• All other activities that we had planned to take place at Race HQ this year (elite athlete presentation and Q&A sessions, film nights, live music, yoga classes, massage area etc.) will sadly not be taking place this year, but will be back in 2021!

We hope you take the time to envision how these changes will potentially affect the event this year and possibly our other races, for the foreseeable future. Many thanks in advance for your cooperation and continued support of UTS.

Michael Jones - Ultra-Trail^® Snowdonia Race Director