COVID-19 Protocol
GATEWAY TO SPACE 5K/10K – April 1, 2022 - COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
ACS Statement
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thing might look different this year but our passion and commitment to fight cancer is unchanged. The health and safety of all our guests and participants is our number one goal. Please see below for important details which will continue to be updated based on our unique needs.
If you are feeling sick or have been recently exposed to someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home. People who have underlying health conditions or taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider before attending large gatherings. Please understand there will be situations where masks are required regardless of vaccination status. If you are unable to comply, please transfer registration to one of the Virtual options. We appreciate your understanding and if you are unable to attend, we hope you will continue to support our mission by joining our Virtual 5k/10k.
Overview
This document outlines detailed plans based on industry best practices and provide a safe environment to hold events following social distancing guidelines.
We have relied upon our industry recommendations when putting this document together. We will continue to monitor these recommendations as events are held throughout the country and modify/implement best practices.
Best Practices for Runners:
Below are the industry recommendations/considerations that will be incorporated into our event:
Reducing Actual Event Participation: The Gateway to Space 5K/10K event hosted by the American Cancer Society scheduled for Saturday morning, April 2nd is estimated to have approximately 1000 total participants. However, with the new safety protocols identified below, we can socially distance all participants, volunteers and the race organization’s staff the entire morning so there will not be any group larger than 50 people at any one time during the entire morning.
Pre-Race Communication: A pre-race communication is typically sent out to all registrants prior to race day reviewing packet pickup timing, the event morning itinerary, etc. We will incorporate all the additional safety protocols in this document that will be required to have the event on race morning. In addition, we will recommend that anyone in an at-risk category not participate in the actual event and elect the “virtual” option until things return to normal. We will also ask the following questions below and request anyone answering yes to any of these questions stay home:
- Have you been exposed to anyone that has or had COVID-19 in the past two weeks?
- Are you experiencing any Symptoms of COVID-19 including dry cough, fever or trouble breathing?
Location of Event and Course Design: The Launch and Landing Facility is a large outdoor area that can be easily used to spread out participants before and after the race so safe social distancing guidelines can be maintained. In our opinion, the highest risk of holding the event is at the start of the race. The start line is typically where all participants line up together prior to the start of the race for last minute instructions and safety guidelines about the course, proper pacing, where previously a large group of people are NOT practicing proper social distancing.
Buses - buses will operate at a reduced capacity. Masks are optional but encouraged in enclosed spaces.
New Start Line Approach: Our event was originally scheduled to start at 8:00 am. Instead of having our standard start at 8:00 am, we will implement a “rolling” start at 8:00 am and will continue having participants start for 5-10 minutes from 8:00 am until 8:05-8:10 am. We will also have a “monitor” to ensure participants are following the spacing guidelines at the start.
Packet Pickup & Registration: For each of our events, we have packet pickup and registration at Running Zone, the 2-days prior to race morning. Previously, about 50% to 60% of participants pickup their packets in advance of race morning. In the Last Minute Instructions that are sent out to all participants will encourage packet pickup prior to race morning to reduce touch points and crowds. To speed up registration, print your waiver from the website and bring the completed for with you. You will also need to bring your ID.
Protective Face Coverings: We will require mask, face covering, shield or buff at the start of the race and at the race site after finishing. Face coverings will also be required on all transportation to and from the Kennedy Space Center Complex to the LLF.
Aid / Fluid Stations: We will encourage runners to bring their own fluids to hydrate prior to, during and after the event. We will only hand out water at two aid stations on the course and at the race site finish line and volunteers will wear protective face coverings and gloves.
Spectator Guidelines: Spectators are not allowed at the race site on race day. Only registered participants with a bib number will be allowed to enter the race site.
Finish Line Flow: We know many want to stop at the end of the race, some to take photos. Please help us by moving quickly into other areas. This will help eliminate slow-downs in the finish line area. We will have volunteers/staff at the finish line to help facilitate moving quickly through the finish line area into the large open fields/parking areas. Any other amenities will be offered away from the immediate finish line to help spread things out.
Food & Drink Handling: While post-race refreshments are a staple of race day, until things return to normal, we will offer limited items at the event. These items will be distributed via volunteers wearing gloves and protective face coverings.
Summary: The above safety protocols and pre-cautions will minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. With the above additional safety measures in place, we feel that we can safely hold this year’s Gateway to Space 5K/10K.
