Our Covid SPO (special operating plan) will be monitored and updated with any changes as we approach race day.

Introduction
The 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.  We’re committed to keeping our participants, crew and volunteers safe by implementing an operating plan aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Best practices aimed at eliminating the spread of COVID-19 are continually evolving as our understanding of the virus grows. The steps outlined in this document are merely a baseline of measures we are committed to following at each of our events. 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 and we will implement additional measures, if necessary.

Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 must begin well in advance of each event and is the responsibility of everyone involved, including staff, crew, volunteers and participants.
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Participant Protection

• Prior to each event, a health and safety form will be sent to all registrants. Those planning to participate will be required to confirm that they are symptom-free, have had no known exposure to COVID-19 in the two weeks prior, have been following physical distancing guidelines and agree to follow physical distancing guidelines during the event.
• Registrants will be required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test within 24hrs of race start, before they will be cleared to participate. Rapid Covid tests will be accepted. Thank you. 
• All event crew and volunteers will wear face coverings at all times. 
• Runners will be requested to wear a face covering at the start,  while at aid stations and when not on course.
• 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.

Staffing

• All event crew and volunteers will receive COVID-19-specific training.
• All event crew and volunteers will undergo a pre-event health screening and will be required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test before they will be cleared to work the event.
• If a crew member or volunteer becomes symptomatic, they are not to attend the event under any circumstances and will be encouraged to contact a local healthcare provider immediately.

Specific Event Modifications

• 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. 

Package Pick-Up

• Package pickup times may be assigned and markings will be placed on the floor or ground at 6’/2m intervals to encourage social distancing.
• Participants may be asked not to bring supporters into the registration/package pickup area.
  
  

Start Line​

• Possible staged starts where if so, 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.​
• All runners are permitted to wear face covering from the start until enough social distancing is established.  

Aid Stations / On-Course

• Runners will be requested to wear a face covering while at aid stations
• Distancing guidelines will be in place for runners waiting to access the Aid Station.
• Aid Station volunteers will safely prepare portions for distribution.
• 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 are required to wear face coverings / masks if they are unable to maintain 2 meters from other runners.
• The finish area may 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.
• Prizing and awards will be granted in the timeline as they occur.

Resources

• Government of Canada COVID-19 Information and Guidelines - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection
• BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Information and Guidelines - http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19