COVID-19 [or other pandemics, natural disasters, etc]
(Updated Sept 4, 2024)
Based on current CDC and VDH guidelines (with respect to masks, etc) I hope that the future IMTR can be held similarly as in past years (excepting 2020). With that said, new strains are still emerging. While I hope that we can race as normal, there is still the possibility that federal or state COVID recommendations may become more stringent again. I plan to follow all CDC and VDH (Virginia Department of Health) guidelines/recommendations.
I'm planning on organizing the race as if life is fairly normal as Labor Day approaches. The smaller sized font section below lists some actions that may need to be taken, but I'm optimistic they'll not be necessary. But if you sign up for the IMTR, please be ready to have these more stringent requirements implemeted (hopefully not, but it's possible).
The race director and volunteers hope to host this year's Iron Mountain Trail Run. However, given COVID-19, that is not guaranteed. While there is a possibility that the race will be cancelled, the more likely result is it will be different.
Possible changes for this year (due to COVID-19 or other disasters) include:
1) Reduced field sizes (fewer runners)
2) Wave starts within each distance (spread out runners)
3) No distance swapping allowed
4) Reduced aid at the aid stations (not the buffet we like to provide)
a. Possibly limited prepackaged food?
b. Definitely fewer options
c. Possibly gloved volunteers get the aid for runners (no self serve)
5) Limited or no post race cookout
6) Runners required to wear masks at the start/finish & in aid stations
7) No crew allowed at aid stations?
8) Other changes . . . .
The race director intends to see what other races are doing, what seems to be working, and of course, what changes allow the race to be held while still following CDC & VDH guidelines & recommendations.
If you sign up for this year's IMTR, please be aware it may be different from past races. Your understanding is appreciated. If you aren't willing to run in an IMTR that may be significantly different from previous years, please don't sign up until COVID is behind us.
The goal with most changes would be to limit runners grouping together (crowds). That is part of what makes races fun. However, if we can't get buy-in from runners with regard to minimizing COVID transmission risks, we'd rather those runners not compete this year.