Looking Ahead: Green Light date, Cancelation date, Virtual Run
In this update we address our green light date and reschedule plan, our final option for a 2020 date and our idea for a March 21 Virtual Run. We are still working through our policies for potential refunds/rollovers if we have to cancel or if runners can’t make the new 2020 date. Please hold tight as we work through those pieces.
Green Light and Cancelation Dates
In considering the time it will take to restart and put on a summer version of the Chuckanut 50k our team decided that if we are given the green light to host a running event before or by July 17, and we are able to secure a date for that production before or by September 12, we will get to share in a 2020 Chuckanut 50k. We will proactively seek out possible dates and collaborate with all of our agencies, vendors and sponsors to be prepared, so that once given the green light we can actualize a race date. For our runners, we realize your racing calendars my already be full through the summer, and they are likely severely changing due to this pandemic. We will figure out our policies for handling the variety of situations posed by these changes and post those before this Saturday.
Virtual Run
We are very aware that you are excited and ready to run 50k this weekend and the idea of creating an online space for our racers to commune has been forefront of our minds since having to postpone. I’m thankful for conversations with Ethan and Kim of the Ginger Runner to gather understanding on what it takes and how they’ve executed the best Virtual Run out there. For our purposes, the Virtual Run doesn’t replace the race, but gives our runners a place to get out and celebrate their winter work as well as come together via photos and sharing stories. It is helpful because travel is not required, you can run from your door, have fun creating your own Interurban and Chinscraper and share with us how you did. We will try to pull in comments and share your photos too as well as cheer you on and congratulate your finish.
If you do plan to create a virtual run please remember why the Chuckanut 50k was postponed. It is hugely important to follow the COVID-19 guidelines if you are idealizing about running with another person this weekend. We understand the desire to share trail time with friends, AND I want runners to create good examples of getting outside, being self-sufficient, and doing their part to reduce the spread of germs. We discourage (prohibit) large groups running together, setting up aid stations, crews, jumping in an out of each others’ cars, etc.
We encourage you to:
· Practice physical / social distancing
· Keep your hands clean and to yourself
· Run 50k or any distance
· Carry your own supplies: fuel, hydration, etc
· Bring hand sanitizer, wipes, and a plastic baggie to dispose of all your waste
· Take photos and Tag us.
#VirtualChuckanut50k2020
Corrine Malcolm wrote a detailed and helpful article on iRunFar. She is registered for Chuckanut 50k and understands both the desire to be in Bellingham to run the race and the immediate need for all of us to act in the best interest of our broader community.
Remember it is not always, it is just right now. Whatever changes or discomforts or celebrations we are experiencing will change. What we do right now and the choices we make are what drive our future reality. Please continue to check in with us this week as we will finalize our new policies.