Summer Trail Challenge 2020 presented by Nordic Heritage Center

We at CompetitorME are excited for the Summer Trail Challenge 2020 presented by Nordic Heritage Center on August 2nd!

This is to inform you of our intent to hold the event in person, as scheduled, and to outline the safe manner in which we will do this.  Most of all, we want you to have the same outstanding experience that you would have before COVID-19, with some procedures added for everyone’s safety.

GUIDELINE GOALS

In May, we drafted guidelines for a safe return to events using a three-phase approach.  As outlined by Maine Governor Mills’ mandate, this event will be held during phase two, which limits gatherings to 50 people or less. 

CompetitorME’s Guidelines serve to:

• Prioritize the health and safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, client staff, and CompetitorME staff.
• Mirror and adhere to the Federal Government Guidelines by following the three-phased approach to reopening.
• Provide documentation to our clients with recommendations for their events.
• Provide local and state authorities with a written plan from CompetitorME regarding the procedures and processes for the client’s event.
• Rely on recommendations from several different sources (Centers for Disease Control, USA Triathlon, RunSignUp, and Road Runners Club of America).
• Effectively communicate changes and set expectations with participants. 

SUMMER TRAIL CHALLENGE 2020!

As mentioned, events in the COVID-19 world will be slightly different for the foreseeable future.  Across the entire industry, event managers have had to adapt and rise to meet the challenges brought on through restrictions. 

The Summer Trail Challenge 2020 will take place with no more than 50 individuals at or near the start/finish, packet pickup, parking, or on the course.  We will have corrals, or waves, that each participant will be assigned to (see Event Schedule below).  The corrals will have a designated time period that participants will be allowed to participate. There will be no changing of corrals or exceptions made on race day.  Social distancing and masks will be required of all in attendance, for the safety of their fellow athletes and our staff. 

Because of the need to limit the number of individuals to 50 or less, there will be NO race day registration.  We encourage all who want to participate in person to register before Wednesday, July 29th. 

We are encouraging any friends and family who want to attend as a non-participant, to also please register so we may get a more accurate headcount.

We have estimated the following formula with regards to meeting the limit of 50 individuals during each corral. 

CompetitorME staff- 2
Volunteers- 8
Vendors- 0
Medical personnel- 0
Spectators- 0
Participants- 40

Parking will be in the Nordic Heritage Center lot.  Again, we ask that only those participants in the current wave come be present.

Participants registered prior to July 29th will have their packet mailed to them and are asked to bring it with them on race day.  Packet Pick Up for those registered between July 29-August 1 will occur at two tables near the start/finish.   Only the packets for the corral in attendance will be set out on top of the tables.  Safety pins for bibs will already be in the packets.  CompetitorME staff will have a list of names with associated bib numbers.  Participants will ask for their bib number, then go grab their own packet.

The start of the race will be a rolling start, where participants line up approximately every ten feet.  Your chip time will begin once you cross the start line.  Additionally, we will ask you to self-seed within the corral, meaning faster folks will be near the front.  The idea is for the participants to remain socially distanced along the course.  

Post Event will also feel a bit different.  Water will be set out on a table and packaged food (such as granola bars) will be set out on another table spaced.  Participants will be responsible for grabbing their own items.  We will ask that once you have finished your race or trail, you exit from the finish area as soon as possible so that we may prepare and welcome the next wave.

Results will be available online as you cross the finish line.  Additionally, we will be sending emails to those who sign up for this feature during registration. 

Once all participants for the active wave have left the parking area, we will sanitize tables and set up for the next wave.  Staff manning the parking will be notified of the next wave and we will repeat the process with open arms!

EVENT SCHEDULE

WAVE 1- 4:00 pm

WAVE 2- 5:00 pm

WAVE 3- 6:00 pm

Additional Waves will be made available if needed.

ATTENDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS & VOLUNTEERS

• Participants will only be admitted at your allotted corral or wave ONLY.  There will be ample time for packet pick up, a warmup, pre-race welcome, and to participate in the event at your pace. 
• Please, don’t show up if you are feeling ill or have flu-like symptoms.
• Social distancing and masks will be required of all in attendance, for the safety of their fellow athletes and our staff. 
• Don't share fluids. Carry your own fluids to avoid contact with others on course.
• Don't share towels, food, gels, or any other item that runners normally share freely.
• Do wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after using the port-a-john.
• Do not spit or “nose rocket” in public – bring along tissues or a small towel or a good old-fashioned hanky if you need to get rid of some snot during the race.
• Do practice social distancing - ensure appropriate spacing between runners; the current recommendation is at least six feet of separation.
• Do avoid close-group selfies.

WE’RE EXCITED!

Most importantly, you are participating in one of the first events in the state at this time.  We feel safe in the measures being taken to protect all in attendance, and simply ask for your assistance.  Together, we will make this a memorable experience!

Best Regards,

Jonathan Kelley