COVID-19 Precautions and Procedures
It goes without saying that the new-normal is a very strange and different one from what we've traditionally known. These have obviously been very unusual times for participatory events, but the unexpected "pause" of the mostly-shuttered 2020 season has at the very least, given us ample opportunity to plan and prepare for what comes next.
We're very aware that all of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic will open up many questions, and that the well-being of participants, staff and volunteers will be on everyone's minds when people come together again. So without casting a shadow on the amazing weekend we have in store for you, we want to clearly outline the approach we are taking to safely re-launch Storm for 2021.
We sincerely hope that most of these will be temporary measures, and plans will of course evolve should circumstances change. Further details are provided in the race information packages, but a general overview is as follows:
We're very aware that all of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic will open up many questions, and that the well-being of participants, staff and volunteers will be on everyone's minds when people come together again. So without casting a shadow on the amazing weekend we have in store for you, we want to clearly outline the approach we are taking to safely re-launch Storm for 2021.
We sincerely hope that most of these will be temporary measures, and plans will of course evolve should circumstances change. Further details are provided in the race information packages, but a general overview is as follows:
General Changes
• A new late-September race date rather than our usual May timeframe.
• The 'Trek Elite' race will be moved to the Friday of Race Weekend. The 'Trek' event will be staged on both Friday and Saturday, and the 'Hike' course on Sunday.
• Teams will be issued pre-assigned starting times staggered by 10-minute intervals.
• Starting times will be broken into waves gapped at least one hour apart.
• Registration for each wave will be capped in accordance with local and/or provincial health agency guidelines.
• Indoor facilities will not be used, other than for washroom access.
• A new late-September race date rather than our usual May timeframe.
• The 'Trek Elite' race will be moved to the Friday of Race Weekend. The 'Trek' event will be staged on both Friday and Saturday, and the 'Hike' course on Sunday.
• Teams will be issued pre-assigned starting times staggered by 10-minute intervals.
• Starting times will be broken into waves gapped at least one hour apart.
• Registration for each wave will be capped in accordance with local and/or provincial health agency guidelines.
• Indoor facilities will not be used, other than for washroom access.
Physical Distancing
• No pre-race bus shuttles for this year's racecourse.
• No photo stations, formal awards ceremonies or central gatherings will be hosted.
• Bike capacity per rack will be reduced, and space for team bikes and canoes increased.
• Pre-race briefings will be delivered online in video format, in the week leading up to Race Day.
• Teams will be asked to disperse from the race site immediately after crossing the finish.
• Post-race boxed meals will be offered on a grab-and-go basis only.
• No pre-race bus shuttles for this year's racecourse.
• No photo stations, formal awards ceremonies or central gatherings will be hosted.
• Bike capacity per rack will be reduced, and space for team bikes and canoes increased.
• Pre-race briefings will be delivered online in video format, in the week leading up to Race Day.
• Teams will be asked to disperse from the race site immediately after crossing the finish.
• Post-race boxed meals will be offered on a grab-and-go basis only.
Minimizing Contact Points
• New contactless race kit pick-up process, with all team materials pre-kitted.
• Regular check-in processes such as gear check or merchandise sales will be eliminated.
• Recyclable mesh racer bibs will be replaced with disposable tyvek versions.
• On-course timing stations will be re-formatted to be contactless. Traditional paper passports and pin-punching will not be used.
• As per usual, teams will be responsible for their own snacks and fluids while on the racecourse.
• New contactless race kit pick-up process, with all team materials pre-kitted.
• Regular check-in processes such as gear check or merchandise sales will be eliminated.
• Recyclable mesh racer bibs will be replaced with disposable tyvek versions.
• On-course timing stations will be re-formatted to be contactless. Traditional paper passports and pin-punching will not be used.
• As per usual, teams will be responsible for their own snacks and fluids while on the racecourse.
Handwashing, Sanitizing and Personal Protective Equipment
• Racers will be asked to wear masks anytime while at the race site prior to their designated starting time.
• Masks will be provided to race staff and volunteers.
• Locations where racers interact with race staff such as on-course checkpoints or the finish line download station will have shielded barriers.
• Washroom facilities will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
• Free-standing hand sanitizer stations will be positioned at the main race site and at on-course checkpoints.
• Racers will be asked to wear masks anytime while at the race site prior to their designated starting time.
• Masks will be provided to race staff and volunteers.
• Locations where racers interact with race staff such as on-course checkpoints or the finish line download station will have shielded barriers.
• Washroom facilities will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
• Free-standing hand sanitizer stations will be positioned at the main race site and at on-course checkpoints.
Where We'll Need Your Help
• First and foremost is of course, maintaining physical distancing before and during the race.
• Traditional race interactions such as high-fives and team hugs just can't happen for the time being.
• As weird as it may sound, our more "subconscious" race habits such as snot-rockets and spitting need to be suppressed as well.
• Spectators can't be allowed this time. As unusual as it is, please do not bring friends or family to the race site.
• First and foremost is of course, maintaining physical distancing before and during the race.
• Traditional race interactions such as high-fives and team hugs just can't happen for the time being.
• As weird as it may sound, our more "subconscious" race habits such as snot-rockets and spitting need to be suppressed as well.
• Spectators can't be allowed this time. As unusual as it is, please do not bring friends or family to the race site.
Should you have any questions regarding any of these points, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Your Storm Racing Team
Your Storm Racing Team
