I keep seeing and hearing all kinds of reports about events happening in various parts of the country. I also see and hear about various group gatherings. Being located in South Florida where currently such events and gatherings are either prohibited or strictly limited due to COVID-19, it makes me wonder, why can't we do that!?
Can't We Just Try?
If you are like me, you are watching this happen with a bit of stress, anxiety, and perhaps a bit of anger or jealousy. Why can't we do that?! So you dig in a bit deeper and learn. What you find is that most events that are happening, at least in the endurance sports field, are either multiple sport events (triathlons or duathlons for example) or they are scaled back running events (in terms of numbers). Ok. There are some clues in there as to how they can do this. First, the triathlon events: Due to the nature of these events, they normally start in waves or corrals (typically pre-assigned starting times for smaller groups of people). That means the participants are already accustomed to starting in a somewhat smaller group and that gives the event the chance to establish 1) smaller groups and 2) social distancing protocols. With the scaled back running events, as indicated, they have a smaller field of participants. This also lends itself to establishing proper safety protocols. Here again, digging in we find that these events all used some variation of corral or wave starts to ensure social distancing and smaller numbers on the course at any time. So maybe we can try?
Just Because We Can...
It is pretty clear to me that there are ways to do this and, seemingly, ways to do this safely. But just because we can, does that mean we should? As one of many companies impacted by this health crisis, normally I would be screaming from the rooftop "YES!". But I pause and think a bit. What is the downside? Why not do this? The first thing that hits me is: "public safety". I know I have outlined several ways to ensure a safe environment for participants but there is still more to it than that. As event coordinators and support, we have the responsibility to do all we can to ensure that all people associated with our events have a safe and enjoyable experience. And it is clear that we do this well (normally) as our events are well attended and well regarded. But even the best of us will have to admit that as the crowd size grows, there is a variable that becomes increasingly hard to predict; the behavior and actions of the crowd itself.
What's Wrong With People?
We can insist on masks (during non-exercise situations). We can insist on social distancing. We can put up the "If you feel sick..." signs and even take temperatures as people arrive. But it becomes nearly impossible to monitor and "control" group behavior as the group size begins to swell. People will forget to restore their masks to their face, and even then, are they wearing it right? I mean, c'mon...they just ran and probably still have "runner brain"! Or they may feel that "This is Robby! I know Robby! He's not sick and I'm not sick , so why should I wear a mask.". Or they may feel that "Runners are healthy people. Besides, could I have just run that race if I were sick?" In short, people can ruin this for us despite our best efforts.
So, Then What Do We Do?
I feel that we should still move forward, cautiously. Even if we feel that we can safely hold a 300 person event, maybe we scale it back even further. 200...150...100... Why? Because at this stage of the situation, anything that goes wrong, even a little bit, could further jeopardize two things we all care deeply about; public health and safety and the endurance sports industry. The stakes are too high to take big risks. Remember, officials will be very hesitant to allow us to move forward in the first place. You know they will be scrutinizing every thing we do. They may also insist on contact tracing to see the impact the event has on the communities in the area. If it can be determined that our events have lead to an increase of any kind in the transmission of this virus, we will push all events out even further. I view all of this like a marathon, not a sprint. Let's pace ourselves and get ready for the long road ahead. We know there is a finish line down there somewhere and can you imagine the celebrations we will have when we get there...safely...?!
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