This plan is based on BC's current PHO's that are in place as of January 11, 2021
​These will be monitored and updated with any changes as we approach race day.

Introduction
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has prompted us to implement a safety plan so that anyone involved with the race and within the community of Kelowna is protected. The health and safety of our volunteers, racers and community is our top priority.

This document was prepared in accordance with the guidance of our Provincial (BC) and Federal Health Authorities as the leading experts on our overall response to the COVID 19 virus. 

Personal Protective Equipment & Physical Distancing
- All event crew and volunteers will wear face coverings at all times. 
- In addition to social distancing measures, runners will be requested to wear a face covering when not on course, and while at aid stations.
- Racers will be asked to supply their own mask or buff, however we will have disposable PPE available upon request.
- All participants (runners, volunteers, crew) will be reminded regularly of the requirement to maintain a 2m distance, to sanitize and wash hands, etc.

Screening (Runners, Crew, Volunteers)
Each runner shall be required to complete an online declaration the day before the event registering their accommodation type, address and who they are staying with. We will release very detailed guidelines that comply with the current Provincial Health Orders around gatherings and accommodations.

The declaration will also ensure that they are not currently infected by COVID-19 and have not had, or knowingly been in contact with, someone experiencing any of the following COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days:
​
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell


Specific Event Modifications

• There will be no physical contact at any point, most specifically at the start line and at the finish line.
• No spectators will be permitted, unless a participating minor is being accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Park & trail signs will be posted to alert the public of the event and list the trails used/course map and special instructions to reduce contact with participants on race day.
• Where applicable, any local residents will also receive written notification of our event date, highlighting the COVID safety protocols we have in place and a contact number for any questions or concerns. 

Start Line

• There will be no pre-race briefing at the start line. This briefing will be provided in a pre-recorded fashion (delivery method to be determined).
• Where necessary, the start area and finish area will be two separate areas, socially distanced minimum 2 meters apart to avoid any potential overlap.
  

We are proposing one of two options for the Start Lines:

• Staged starts of 50 people or fewer
• A rolling start with runners assigned time windows to arrive at the start, meaning only a handful of runners would start at the same time.
• Using either method, runners will be assigned a starting time, based on ranking from Ultra Sign-up which will seat the faster runners first. This helps facilitate better positioning and less potential passing throughout the race.
• Runners will be asked to avoid loitering up until 5 minutes before their race start time.
• Runners will maintain a 2m radius around themselves at all times.
• At no time would more than 50 people gather. 
• All runners are permitted to wear face covering from the start until enough social distancing is established.  
• We will provide socially distanced markers to indicate where runners will stand.​
  

Aid Stations / On-Course

• Self-serve food and beverage options will not be available to runners. Aid Station volunteers will safely prepare portions, or a pre-packaged selection of items will be distributed.
• Distancing guidelines will be in place for runners waiting to access the Aid Station.
• Fluid distribution will be modified to ensure minimal contact.
• Runner extractions will occur as usual, with all Covid protocols in place (everyone wearing masks, etc). On-course crew will be provided with safety kits including sanitizer, disposable masks, disinfectant wipes, etc.
• Further, we will allow runners to use drop bags, should aid stations not be deemed a safe choice at the time of the event. 
• Distancing guidelines will be in place for runners waiting to access drops bags, as well.

Finish Line

• Runners will be instructed to hold their race position, once they’re within 100m of the finish line and no passing will be allowed within the finish line area.
• Runners are required to wear face coverings / masks if they are unable to maintain 2 meters from other runners.
• The finish area will have 2-3 tables spread out 6 feet apart. Each table will have pre-packaged bags with a water bottle, pre-packaged food and a finishers medal laid out. 
• Each table will have hand sanitizer provided and a volunteer to ensure racers avoid grabbing multiple items and to keep moving out of the finishers corral.
• There will be no finish line gathering permitted.
• Spectators will not be permitted.
• All ‘attractions’ at the finish line will be eliminated – no sponsors, no BBQ, no areas to congregate. 
• Prizing and awards will be announced virtually after the race;