The latest announcement is we have added a packet pick-up (PP), scheduled for tonight at Athletes Corner in Hazel Dell from 4-6pm. We have another on Saturday at Maple Grove School (home of the in-person race) from noon-2pm. That’s about how long it will take for us to figure out how to hoist up the tents as we set things up for Sunday. Saturday’s PP will be our fifth PP, so my hope is that you’re seeing the “minimize the crowds” theme. We are really trying to avoid long lines or gathering spots, so if you have yet to pick up your packet, please do so at one of our remain PP options. For those coming from afar, we will have your gear at the Welcome canopy in the MGS parking lot on Sunday morning.
Speaking of parking, on Sunday morning, please arrive early so you can park in the mall parking lot to the west of the event. Yes, parking may take place at MGS, but in the spirit of social distancing, we would appreciate your cooperation.
START TIMES: every runner has a self-assigned start time. Please arrive no earlier than 10-minutes prior to the start of your race. There will be a check-in area for screening (simply covid questions and a temp check), you’ll then walk towards the start in socially distanced lines (there will be flagging, similar to the Scary Run), you’ll come to the starting canopy, and then you’ll begin when you reach the starting area. PLEASE NOTE that you may start a little bit before or after your assigned start time. Please be flexible.
TIMING SYSTEM: On the back of each bib is a timing chip sensor for the timing mat. These chips will be used to start your race time, however, they will not be used at the finish. Instead, we will be doing hand timing at the finish. We ask that as you go through the finish chute, remove the tearaway tab from the bottom of your bib and place it on the skewer thingy at the end of the chute. We will have volunteers in place to remind you to do this, so please be prepared, as nobody will be doing this for you.
THE OBVIOUS: Masks required to be worn covering your nose AND mouth, no exceptions including medical. If you have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask, email me so we can arrange for you to participate in the virtual option. Masks may be removed by runners at the start, and walkers may remove them once they exit the facility. Please have your mask with you at all times so you can put it back on once you enter the chute at the finish. Incompliance will lead to disqualification and a one-year ban from next years Resolution Run.
MAPS – I just realized the maps on the RR site are not the greatest, so I will do my best to update them today so they are expandable. With that said, know the course. We have many volunteers along the course to help at crossings, along with certified flaggers. However, they are only assigned to a small portion and may not know the whole course. It is ALWAYS the runners responsibility to know the course. I learned this the hard way at Blooms to Brews a couple of years ago, and it’s the same thing I tell the runners that I work with – know the course (or just follow the person in front of you and hope they know where they are going.
If you are a participant who paid for shipping and have not received your packet, please let me know. If you are a virtual runner and you thought your gear would virtually appear, please let me know. Medals will be mailed to all virtual participants after January 17 who post their times. An email about posting times (for virtual runners) will be sent today after noon.
If you begin to feel uneasy about the in-person event and wish to switch to virtual, please let me know and we can make the switch. Virtual participants have until January 17 to complete their event, so if you wake up Sunday morning and decide to pass, you may still switch and have a few days to complete it.
Registration for all races closes today (1/6/2021) at 11:59am and will not be reopened.
That’s a lot for now. Please email me at whisperrunning@comcast.net if you have any questions.
Stay healthy.
Dave
Whisper Community