the rules we need to follow:
I. Introduction.
2020 has been a challenge -- to say the least -- for most, if not all of us. And for all of us runners, it has been especially challenging with races being cancelled (or moved to "virtual" formats) left and right.
We are fully committed to providing you an actual ultramarathon this December, on the actual course, with your fellow runners. In short, an actual race. That being said, the reality of 2020 is that Covid affects everything in our lives, and the DAYTONA 100 is no exception...
We also recognize, though, that the overall risk to runners, volunteers, and crew members associated with participating with an outdoor, point-to-point ultramarathon, along sparsely-populated roads, is minimal, and unquestionably less than, say, eating at a restaurant or shopping at Publix. So our philosophy is to enact common-sense rules that minimize the risk of Covid spread, while also trying to keep the race experience as normal as possible. We therefore announce the following rules for before, during, and after the race, and we ask that you all respect and follow them:
II. Covid Rules for Daytona '20.
1. Pre-race meeting (Friday, December 4th): Our pre-race meeting will still be "live" and in-person, but will be held outside on the beach at One Ocean Hotel & Spa, instead of in one of the hotel ballrooms. We will keep the meeting short (30 minutes or less).
2. Packet pick-up (Friday, December 4th): As with the pre-race meeting, packet pick-up will occur outside on the beach (3-5 pm).
3. Annual "shake-out" run (Friday, December 4th): We will still be having the traditional 3-4 mile shake-out run that we do every year, at 1pm on the day before the race. It is a great chance to meet and interact with the race staff as well as your fellow runners. We run the first few miles of the course.
4. Aid stations (Throughout the race): Our aid stations will still be manned by volunteers, who will be following state and local guidelines for mask-wearing, gloves, etc. One area where we will have zero tolerance will be your attitude towards these volunteers. I know I don't need to say this to 99% of you, but please keep in mind that (especially in 2020), these volunteers are unpaid, and simply out on the course to help you achieve your goals and dreams. So any mistreatment of volunteers will be cause for immediate disqualification from the race.
This year, the easy call for race directors is to simply cancel/postpone the race until next year. We are not choosing that route, because we are runners too, and we know how important it is for you to have actual races, to feel some sense of normalcy, to take back some degree of control over this topsy-turvy year. In that vein, we cannot stress enough how important it is to be as nice and accommodating as possible to the race volunteers.
5. Finish line: This year, the finish line returns to the beach itself. Your crew can park at Toronita Park and walk the short distance to the finish line to watch the momentous occasion. Further details will be provided in the next few days when we release the Official Race Program. But, to confirm, the finish line of the past few years (44 Marie Drive) has been changed.
6. Post-race party: Traditionally held at 11am at Racing's North Turn Beach Bar and Grill (4511 S. Atlantic Ave, Ponce Inlet), the post-race party . . . WILL still be happening!! (The restaurant has a huge outdoor deck/patio where runners can watch the final 100-milers finish their races. Also, we will absolutely still be having the DAYTONA BEER MILE, which has turned into quite the spectacle as the years have gone by!!!)
7. GPS Trackers: We are finalizing a deal with Trackleaders whereby all runners will be given the option to rent a very small GPS tracker to strap onto their arms or waist during the race, allowing your friends, family, and -- importantly -- the race staff to know where you are at all times. This option is highly encouraged for all runners, especially uncrewed runners. More information will be forthcoming in the next few days (in the first week of November).
8. Race shuttles: As social distancing will not be possible on the race shuttles offered for uncrewed runners, those runners utilizing one of the shuttles must wear face masks while on the shuttles.
9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout race weekend: We are not going to inundate you guys with rules. You are all adults. Please be smart, follow all applicable laws, and do not come to the race if you are positive for the virus or are experiencing Covid-like symptoms. Also, we will be requiring all runners/crew members to sign an updated waiver/release of liability. Other than that, though, we cannot wait to see everyone in this beautiful part of Florida (and the U.S.) the first week of December!!
-Dave and the entire DAYTONA 100/50 race staff
2020 has been a challenge -- to say the least -- for most, if not all of us. And for all of us runners, it has been especially challenging with races being cancelled (or moved to "virtual" formats) left and right.
We are fully committed to providing you an actual ultramarathon this December, on the actual course, with your fellow runners. In short, an actual race. That being said, the reality of 2020 is that Covid affects everything in our lives, and the DAYTONA 100 is no exception...
We also recognize, though, that the overall risk to runners, volunteers, and crew members associated with participating with an outdoor, point-to-point ultramarathon, along sparsely-populated roads, is minimal, and unquestionably less than, say, eating at a restaurant or shopping at Publix. So our philosophy is to enact common-sense rules that minimize the risk of Covid spread, while also trying to keep the race experience as normal as possible. We therefore announce the following rules for before, during, and after the race, and we ask that you all respect and follow them:
II. Covid Rules for Daytona '20.
1. Pre-race meeting (Friday, December 4th): Our pre-race meeting will still be "live" and in-person, but will be held outside on the beach at One Ocean Hotel & Spa, instead of in one of the hotel ballrooms. We will keep the meeting short (30 minutes or less).
2. Packet pick-up (Friday, December 4th): As with the pre-race meeting, packet pick-up will occur outside on the beach (3-5 pm).
3. Annual "shake-out" run (Friday, December 4th): We will still be having the traditional 3-4 mile shake-out run that we do every year, at 1pm on the day before the race. It is a great chance to meet and interact with the race staff as well as your fellow runners. We run the first few miles of the course.
4. Aid stations (Throughout the race): Our aid stations will still be manned by volunteers, who will be following state and local guidelines for mask-wearing, gloves, etc. One area where we will have zero tolerance will be your attitude towards these volunteers. I know I don't need to say this to 99% of you, but please keep in mind that (especially in 2020), these volunteers are unpaid, and simply out on the course to help you achieve your goals and dreams. So any mistreatment of volunteers will be cause for immediate disqualification from the race.
This year, the easy call for race directors is to simply cancel/postpone the race until next year. We are not choosing that route, because we are runners too, and we know how important it is for you to have actual races, to feel some sense of normalcy, to take back some degree of control over this topsy-turvy year. In that vein, we cannot stress enough how important it is to be as nice and accommodating as possible to the race volunteers.
5. Finish line: This year, the finish line returns to the beach itself. Your crew can park at Toronita Park and walk the short distance to the finish line to watch the momentous occasion. Further details will be provided in the next few days when we release the Official Race Program. But, to confirm, the finish line of the past few years (44 Marie Drive) has been changed.
6. Post-race party: Traditionally held at 11am at Racing's North Turn Beach Bar and Grill (4511 S. Atlantic Ave, Ponce Inlet), the post-race party . . . WILL still be happening!! (The restaurant has a huge outdoor deck/patio where runners can watch the final 100-milers finish their races. Also, we will absolutely still be having the DAYTONA BEER MILE, which has turned into quite the spectacle as the years have gone by!!!)
7. GPS Trackers: We are finalizing a deal with Trackleaders whereby all runners will be given the option to rent a very small GPS tracker to strap onto their arms or waist during the race, allowing your friends, family, and -- importantly -- the race staff to know where you are at all times. This option is highly encouraged for all runners, especially uncrewed runners. More information will be forthcoming in the next few days (in the first week of November).
8. Race shuttles: As social distancing will not be possible on the race shuttles offered for uncrewed runners, those runners utilizing one of the shuttles must wear face masks while on the shuttles.
9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout race weekend: We are not going to inundate you guys with rules. You are all adults. Please be smart, follow all applicable laws, and do not come to the race if you are positive for the virus or are experiencing Covid-like symptoms. Also, we will be requiring all runners/crew members to sign an updated waiver/release of liability. Other than that, though, we cannot wait to see everyone in this beautiful part of Florida (and the U.S.) the first week of December!!
-Dave and the entire DAYTONA 100/50 race staff