Covid restrictions at races

[Curlygurly2]

I'm just wondering what you all think. I received an email outlining the Covid safety rules at my upcoming HM, they are requesting that everyone be double vaxxed - no problem for me, but I know a lot of people have refused the jab....

The big problem for me is the two lateral flow tests they have told us to take. I have a really terrible gag reflex and the thought of poking a stick down my own throat fills me with absolute horror....I'd rather stay in the house until Corona is over and done with. I know these tests are needed for concerts and festivals etc, you won't find me at any of those...I even didn't go to my place in France this summer as I would have needed to take the tests.

They have said we "may" be checked for the NHS texts proving we have negative results, what they haven't outlined is what will happen if we don't have the results... thrown off site? Refused our place in the race? And what about people who don't have a phone? Will volunteers and spectators be subject to the same restrictions?

So, have any of you had to follow these rules at races? Is it possible they can actually implement it, or are they just blustering? I'm feeling very pressured and that this wasn't what I signed up for all those months ago...I know I have the choice to not go, and I'm seriously considering it, but this was not a cheap race....

EDIT - I forgot to mention I live a 5 minute walk from the start of this one, I have no intention of standing around in big crowds for ages....I reckon when we're running it'll be safe enough...

[misswobble Marathon]

I’ve got a race in prospect but won’t be doing it if it involves any of the above.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Have you paid your fee Sonia?

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Yeah all paid up.

I read the blurb and didn’t see any of the things you mention. I’ll take a closer look but i’d expect it to have been writ large 🤔

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

This just arrived a couple of days ago - moving the goal posts if you ask me....£38 an'all

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Oh! 🤨

Well, we’ll see. can you get your money back? If the terms and conditions changed after payment I would have thought so 🤔

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I've emailed, I'll see what they say. You can pull out up to 25th Sept anyway but they make a big admin charge...

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

If the T & C’s have changed after payment I would have thought a full refund would be possible. Maybe a legal eagle would have a view. I think amongst the line-up there’ll be such a discussion. Have a look at the race Facebook page to see what folks are saying.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I saw one person complaining, but a few just thinking it's normal these days. One said every event does this, but I did an event in June with none of this.

I made a post on the event page on FB, it "disappeared"

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Ah 🤨 It’s all very depressing.

Vote with your feet. I’ll be doing the same if those rules get imposed on my race.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

They are still trying to sell places, usually this one is sold out within hours...perhaps they'll even cancel..

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Oh! That’s interesting 🤔

I had a late invitation to a race drop in my inbox yesters saying that they had spaces left.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I applied for another one today. Not a mention of any impositions.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Yet....

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I’ve got to collect my race number a week or so before the event so that will be an opportunity to learn if there’s any new advice.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Keep me posted x

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Apparently my race number is about to land for a big half marathon in the city Oooooooooh, go me 😁. Again, no worrying rules or medical interventions mentioned on any blurbs I’ve seen thus far.

[beth_f 10 Miles]

Hello Curlygurly2 .

The lateral flow test kits that I have been ordering of late (daughter at school so testing twice a week) are now just 'up the nose' so no throat swabbing required.

I know my Mum had issues with the throat element so has been doing just the nose since January.

Hope that helps (and good luck if you do the HM).

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to beth_f]

I absolutely hate the Nose one. I complained to a Med Tech one time and cheeky sod grinned and said 'Yeah - people suffer because they either have a large brain or an almost empty head. Want me to tell you which category you fall under?"

[beth_f 10 Miles in reply to Irish-John]

😆 Yes I don't like the nose one much. Hayfever, sinus issues and occasional nose bleeds don't help 😬

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to beth_f]

I could probably manage up the nose, but my problem is that they have changed the rules at the last minute, and it seems very badly thought out.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Definitely a bummer when they do that :(Texas changed fr "No cut off time" to "7 hours" and now its "6 1/2"

They do offer a full refund however - but thats no fun either.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Ack that's a bugger John, and a very fast time to beat for most runners...

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Its reputed to be a very flat "runner friendly" course so maybe that will balance things out - what's creeping me iut though is they literally have a coach that sets off half an hour after the start and keeps a six hour rate of speed. If it catchs up with you - game over...

On the one hand, at least you don't have to walk back to your gear drop. On the other - its never nice to be in a situation where basically you feel like you're being hunted down lol...

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Ha ha that sounds a bit like "Wings for Life" Every heard of that race? I takes place all over the world at exactly the same time. The catcher car sets off after half an hour at a set speed, then speeds up every 30 minutes. The winner gets a big cash prize, some people run 80 KM or more before they are caught. I'd probably manage about 8!

People pay big money for this race.....

[Katnap Marathon]

I haven't come across that issue yet.

Good luck with your HM if you can cope with the LFT like Beth is advising!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Definitely ask your local pharmacist if they have the new "nose only" kits in. They're probably more accurate than the original Innova tests too.

When Herself had to do her first LFT for work screening she asked me to do the swabbing. I got as far as bringing the swab to about three inches outside her mouth and she immediately started retching at the thought. She's done her own swabbing from that point on.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

That would be me too! You wouldn't get within 3 feet of me with a swab!

[Irish-John Marathon]

I would go. And if they wanted to swab my throat and I didn't want them to, I would politely say I did not wish to embarrass them or myself by throwing up and thank you but I respectfully withdraw from the race - and head home.

If you don't go, you are guarenteed not to run, if you do you have a chance. If they approach you with a swab - remember YOU control the outcome and how it goes Withdraw with Grace and Poise and chalk it up to a bad break that ultimately doesn't amount to much

It's what I would do

Best wishes whatever way you chose

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

It's not that they will swab you there and then, they want to see a text on your phone confirming you have had a negative result.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Ah, misunderstood the situation. There are venues here who want the same.

All I can say its going to be a busy - and bonus bonanzas - for professional Security staff at this rate

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

I like the thrust of your argument there John. Play them at their own virtue signalling game sorta thing.

Unless someone challenges things nothing will change.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I think this is going to be pretty standard for HM and FM races from now on CG. I’ve received a similar email about my upcoming Bristol HM in over a week’s time.

So are your organisers insisting on a lateral flow test even though someone has been doubly vaccinated?

We will apparently receive a questionnaire the day before the race where we will need to confirm that we’ve been either doubled vaccinated, recently had COVID but now completely recovered, completed a lateral flow test with a negative result or completed a PCR test with a negative result.

It doesn’t say what the consequences will be if we can’t tick off any of these……

I guess there will be more details on the questionnaire and it’ll be interesting to see how it’s worded.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

TWO tests. If that's going to be standard, fair enough, I won't be joining any ore of that type of race, but to change the rules at this stage...

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

If we the paying punter go along with all this then more fool us. Organisers need to step back and remember who the customer is. Who exactly is to be protected by these measures? Not those paying would be my guess.

No-one loves to race more than me but I’m not doing it til the barricades come down 🙂

[Fran6500 Half Marathon]

Sarah, we had this for the London Landmarks HM. everyone required to take a lft the day before. There was a declaration form to complete to confirm you had had it. They also suggested they would be checking but they can't possibly. As you say, people dont always carry their phones and who has room for bits of paper. I think, as you are doubly vaccinated, one of the home tests you can get for free in the UK would suffice. this is nostril only and if it is negative, I think you have fulfilled the requirements.

Would be a shame for you to miss it after all your efforts in training.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Fran6500]

As others have said, all you need for the official text message is the serial number off one of the test strips and entering a test result into the NHS website. No chance of abuse there. 🤥

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

I think I’m being dim but I don’t understand any of that 😁☺️😎

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Sonia, you just have to enter the number on the box on the govt web site, then declare a negative result, no proof needed...could be positive, could be negative, maybe you never even took the test...

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Fran6500]

It would be a shame but I’d rather not run than go along with the pantomime

“Only one nostril”. Reminded me of Tony Hancock’s “armful” 😁

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

That just about sums it up, it's clear it would be easy to blag my way through, but it's the whole thing that's got me, the pantomime as you call it...

I volunteered for the Cows about Cambridge event, they asked me to take a test, when I said no they back-pedalled...

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

The key to the humour in the line in The Blood Donor is Hancock saying,

"A pint? That's very nearly an armful."

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

Wonderful stuff 🙂

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Fran6500]

To be honest Fran, my training has gone to pot, and I am hating and dreading every run.. I've been toying with the idea of pulling out for quiet a while, this is just the last straw really.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I'm finding the "quest" for FMs to be seriously screwing up my running. I committed to Texas and the MC but that'll be that.

The training takes away my freedom to go for short or long runs, take breaks, adjust for other things that pop up etc etc.

It feels more like "have to run" than "want to run" at times.

One or two more will be enough - I'll then get out while still ahead

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

I feel much the same John, I've been following the Garmin Connect plans that get sent directly to your watch. I've found my pace to have dropped off by about 2 minutes. My time goal has got more and more unachievable. Also it's jolly lovely here at the moment, and here am I, plugging away at runs I don't really want to do...I need to find the joy of running again.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Where - as in where on the body lol?

[misswobble Marathon]

That being the case it shows what utter pointlessness it is. It’s just ticking a box on a to-do list. We’re paying for it though 🤷‍♀️

Or rather we’re not as the case may be 🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Or any other orifice. It’s almost tempting 😁

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Getting stabbed in the nose is quote enough internal assault thank you very much. I certainly wouldn't want the proceedure to go from a situational PITA to an actual one 😳😬😖😵

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

The last box of free lateral flow tests I got from the chemist actually only specify a nasal swab is required. You can make that as unintrusive as you like.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you xx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Hi Curly, I have to do lots of LFTs - the last two boxes I have received by post have been the newer ones which only use nasal swabs and give you a result in 15 mins. Why not order a box and see which ones you get? Not that putting a swab up your nose is particularly pleasant(both nostrils) but could be easier for you. You might also be able to request the nasal swab only lateral flow tests at your chemist ?

It would be a shame to miss your event - hope this helps.🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Ah, sorry - just realised others have beaten me to it!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you Sandra xx

[Anasta]

I ordered some more lateral tests - they are the newer type you only have to nose swab both nostrils. No throat action 🤦🏻‍♀️ - try and order some more and see if you get the newer type 👍🏼👍🏼🤞🏽

[Madge50 Marathon]

Hi there, What a palaver, I’ve had a look at the codes of practice they refer to, none of them say you ‘must’ do a test prior to an outside event.....or have any evidence of having done so, so how the event organisers can appear to ‘insist’ on it for participation is a bit beyond me

And as previously stated, how are they going to police it?

You know, I’m now glad we decided to give this a miss this year, I’m in misswobble ‘s camp, I’m not surprised they still have places....

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

I've emailed, so I'll let you know what they say. I think it's just blather...you know I volunteered for Cows about Cambridge, they asked me to take a test, I said no, and they said they would have to see what The Grafton Centre said, if they insisted I would be "stood down" What nonsense, shoppers don't need a test to go in do they? The attendees of the event didn't have to...I bet they never even asked the Grafton... it's just covering their own backs...

To be honest Mary, I'd quite like an excuse to pull out. My training has gone from bad to worse, I'd hoped to beat my previous time, now I doubt I can get anyway near. My Meniere's is making it increasingly difficult for me to be in a place with people moving around me, Eddington parkrun was awful, so how I'll mange a HM is anyone's guess...at least they'll only be running in one direction!

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thing is, we were talking about it this morning, how enjoyable is it really going to be? They’re discouraging spectators, you arrive and go very near your allotted start time, so no real atmosphere?

Plus by the time the likes of you and me are leaving the ‘fast’ ones will be practically finished....bit demoralising that....and none of them will be hanging about to encourage others in......

I do know some people who are doing it, despite the costs etc., mainly because they have a soft spot for it, was the first one they did etc.,

Is there going to be any of the normal entertainments around the course? I couldn’t see anything about that.....that’ll make it pretty miserable, especially if the weather isn’t good, I’d be worried I’d feel rather lonely...especially out on the long stretches.....

.

When you get back you’re going to file through pick up your own ‘goody’ bag and be encouraged to leave ASAP......

Sounding more like a cash cow for the organisers the more I hear.....

The tests stuff is very ‘knee jerk’ isn’t it.......

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Well, when I signed up it was really so the training could keep me occupied during lockdown, and also I feel I have unfinished business - you know I was most of the way through my training first time round when I got my BC diagnosis. I would have finished at time in around 2:40, running all the way...as it was I did it the following year on run/walk. I was really hoping to get back to where I was before I was sick, but it's not to be...

Of course, we didn't know how it would pan out with the virus etc when I signed up. I think they've done their best with the situation s is, it was always a cash cow if you ask me.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Hi shug. I was just reminded by our local shop keeper just now that I haven’t entered our local annual half. Except it’s now our annual 10k. So I came home and entered, having first read everything in the rules and terms Not a word about you know what 😁😎. Nil, nada, zilch.

I’m in! 🏃‍♀️😃😎🍰☕️🏅

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I bet they do nearer the time.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I won’t be taking part if so. I’ll keep you posted

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Madge50]

I’ve not gone back to parkrun They’ve removed the human interaction element from it. What does that leave exactly 🤷‍♀️

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

There's still a bit of chatting before and after my local parkrun. However, people do tend to run and then just disappear at the end. I don't know what it was like before the Pandemonium.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

Ours starts off (pre Covid)in a very tight huddle. No-one minds as that’s how it is. Or was. It was always very loud as there was a lot of banter going on between megaphone man and punters 😁. Very jolly and such a good way to set folks off

The instructions were that the event would have the need for human contact removed to make it Covid compliant. That put me right off so I’ve not been back. I expect coffees to be back though which is a good thing. The coffee shop is really good and I looked forward to it. I met up with some folks off here in there! 🙂🍰☕️

The whole event though is about fun and being with like minded runners. I’ll go back soon if there’s no restrictions etc.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

The restrictions are fairly light as it is. No spitting, no snot rockets and no high fives.

Also, you have to hold the tokens for them to scan and the finish position tokens are dropped into a bucket after scanning and washed between runs.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

Thanks I’ll have to get back there 🙂. They have a town crier kinda chap on one of the points and he’s ever so funny Always ready with a quip 😁.

The cakes are lush too. I went in once and I realised I only had a quid ☺️ The guy made me a proper good coffee and brought it out to me 😇😃

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Mine has been fine, lots of chatting just not too close. We can't have our post 5KYourWay coffee/meet up at the gym yet though, members only still.

[TortoiseTed]

Hi curlygurly2I ordered some more flo tests via the government site and received a different type for nostril samples only and not nostril and throat.

Try ordering some hopefully you'll get those.

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

I hate doing them too.. gag when aim for the tonsils 🤣 but the bumf does say u can do both nostrils instead. I've done very little since start of covid,it's only recently ive started to feel a bit braver. I'm more worried about being part of the spread of it ,so for that reason I've been doing a few tests a week,they do get easier. 👍 Hope U get sorted and manage to enjoy the run