RRCA recommends all members, in accordance with the CDC recommendation, to cancel or postpone all events/group training runs/group training programs if these activities occur between now and the end of May.

Notice regarding virtual events:  Many events scheduled for April - June are moving to virtual options. There are a variety of resources available for hosting virtual events, but RRCA discourages members from creating NEW virtual events between now and the end of May.  Members should only be promoting virtual events to replace pre-planned road or trail races forced to cancel during the months of April-May (an perhaps into June).  If converting a pre-planned event to a virtual offering, RRCA recommends updating your event waiver if you move to a virtual run and utilize an updated sign-up for capturing virtual run data/results.  If you host a virtual run, you need to maintain insurance to cover your organization in the event of a claim of liability.

The RRCA is advising caution when hosting virtual events at this time. Although an appealing option in many ways, the requirements and guidelines from many local governments to stay at home are worthy of consideration.  Popular running routes, especially multi-use trails are seeing an unsafe uptick in the number of runners/walkers/cyclists out on a daily basis, and to a great extent, social distancing is not being practiced by some, which puts people at risk.  Virtual races that offer a very specific running route along with a narrow window for completion may overwhelm a recommended course or multi-use trail and be in violation of local gathering regulations.  Pre-scheduled events converting to a virtual option should offer a large time frame for runners to complete the distance, and organizers should not prescribe a required or recommended route to help limit overcrowding of public spaces.

If you elect to move to a virtual option, DO NOT hold a packet pick-up where people can come to collect shirts and medals during the next 30-days. This defeats the purpose of limiting interaction with people. Inform participants that a plan will be devised for distribution of shirts/medals as soon as it is safe to congregate.  RRCA cautions about the use of fulfillment services for sending finisher items. These type of companies or organizations that provide fulfillment services are in a similar situation, in that they can’t have many workers stuffing items at one time.  Fulfillment companies may get overwhelmed with requests for service due to the number of events switching to a virtual option. 

Read our detailed Advice for RRCA Members, Running Coaches, and Club Leaders >>