UTS 2020: What's Next?

Dear APEX Runner,

This article has been written to outline the factors that will influence the decision as to whether this year's UTS, planned for the weekend of 18-20^th September, can go ahead. Further down, I’ve outlined the event deferral and refund policy if the event is to be cancelled.

In the last few weeks, several major UK and international trail running events have decided to cancel their 2020 event for understandable reasons. A recent article by the BBC (see HERE) has also confused matters for me by stating: “BBC Wales has been told that organisers of events planned across the 823 sq miles (2,176 sq km) of park have been asked to postpone until 2021” when in fact the email sent out from Gwynedd Council actually stated the following:

“It is unlikely under the present circumstance that major events or mass gatherings will be allowed to take place in 2020, even if the lock down regulations are relaxed. We therefore ask you to consider realistically how you will safeguard the health and safety of local communities and participants. We ask you under the present circumstances to liaise with any landowner where your event(s) is to take place to make sure that they are still willing for the event to take place.”

While I’ve yet to receive confirmation, I’m at present doubtful that UTS is classed as a major/mass participation event, considering it shall be capped at 500 participants (with 372 currently entered), spread over three separate events, starting on three different days. So while it may seem bold to some, I have held tight against cancelling for now. I do know that there are other outdoor sports events planned to take place in Gwynedd this year that have also not yet cancelled and are working with the Welsh Government's event team to work out how or if they could still host. 

Hopefully, the recent article covering the Covid-19 transmission risk mitigation measures that will be in place for this event, as well as a continued improvement in the ongoing situation regarding the virus will give all event stakeholders the confidence that come September, hosting UTS poses minimal to no risk to anyone.

Therefore, what the event certainly does depend on, is the Welsh Government implementing the ‘Amber’ stage, as detailed HERE. If this is achieved, it is likely that land managers including, but not limited to: National Resources Wales, Snowdonia National Park Authority, National Trust etc. will permit the event to proceed as usual. Busier areas (Snowdon and Glyderau) that the routes cross, could also remain closed to public access for some, if not all of the summer, but I'm hopeful this will change by September. 

With this in mind, we can all continue to monitor the Welsh Government’s tri-weekly updates and get a feel for how the situation we all find ourselves in improves, until the announcement on Friday 21^st August, after which, I can make a more informed decision as to the fate of this years event, on or before Sunday 23^rd August. The options then, will be as follows:

• UTS proceeds as planned on weekend of 18-20^th September.
• UTS is postponed again to October, but only if there is a clear guarantee that the event can go ahead then, but not in September, for whatever reason.
• UTS is cancelled for 2020.

REFUND & DEFERRAL POLICY

In the case of deferral to October, as per the previous deferral, all entrants who cannot attend the new date shall be eligible for a 70% refund. In the event UTS is cancelled for 2020, the policy shall be as follows:

• All entrants can defer their entry to 2021 (event weekend: 4-6^th June), but must pay any additional difference in entry fee (2021 entry fees TBC, no increase planned for UTS 50) before the end of the year.
• Entrants may receive a 50% refund upon request. 

Other considerations:

• Should any international entrants decide not to attend the event (assuming it goes ahead), due to any UK quarantine rulings, they will be eligible for a 70% refund, or postponement to next year’s event.
• If the event gets the green light, any previous entrant who took advantage of the 70% refund after the initial postponement may re-enter UTS with a 30% discount. We know many couldn't make the revised UTS date due to other events, which have subsequently been cancelled. In this instance please contact me directly.

Any entry fee increases that come into effect for 2021 are due to the possibility that the event may be very different, from 2021 and beyond. Indeed, you may be relieved that your entry for next year is guaranteed, should this year’s event be cancelled!

NOTABLE CHANGES TO THE EVENT

Aside from the new race routes that have come into effect for this year’s event (more articles covering this coming soon!), that were originally planned for launch in 2021, one change worthy of mention is that this year there shall be no cash/voucher prizes for overall or age group winners. This is due to our prize pool sponsorship agreement falling through due to the Covid-19 fallout. Due to cost reasons, it is also now likely that Race HQ this year will be at the Glyn Rhonwy site, as per last year.

WHY SO DESPERATE?

Due to other events cancelling, the UTS start lists are now pretty stacked with UK elites, with several others confirmed to enter shortly. As mentioned, we have some considerable changes to the event planned from 2021, so it’d be great to capture yet more awesome imagery and videography to keep you all inspired through the winter, for next year’s event. Hosting the event this year will also help us to verify checkpoint closing times, fastest/slowest runner times, etc., before making any changes for 2021.

I also ultimately feel that cancelling this year’s event would be a rash decision in light of being over the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. I know many entrants are happy with my decision to leave it as long as possible before deciding to cancel, if needs be. Indeed, safely hosting this event would salvage the season for many entrants, a sentiment shared by many from comments read online.

In terms of finances, hosting the event with the numbers entered today would provide a circa £180,000 boost (not including recce-related activity/spending) to the local economy and I’ve had several local hoteliers contact me in hope that it will go ahead. Many other freelancers and suppliers who are booked to work on this event would no doubt rather not see it cancelled either, furthering the case for the potential positives outweighing the negatives.

On a personal note, following two other event cancellations, assuming UTS will go ahead is keeping me busy with planning and event organisation improvements, that can simply be rolled forward to next year and applied to my other events too, should the worst happen.

I hope this gives you some hope that we are taking all reasonable measures before making a final decision regarding this year’s UTS and still hope to see you in Llanberis in September!

Michael Jones - Ultra-Trail^® Snowdonia Race Director