We will start Saturday morning runs on August 8. We have been reluctant to do so because we recognize that the virus which causes COVID-19 is just as deadly today as it was in March, and just as infectious. But we also recognize that running with friends is important, and there are things that we, individually and as a group, can do to make things safer.

We can not make the probability of transition and infection vanish. So if you are uncomfortable with the idea of joining us, please stay away. 

Start of Runs

We will be following the guidelines which Leb Rec is using 

• Attendance List - so if someone does become infected, we can do tracing.
• 5 questions & temperature check - done ahead of time, so we don’t have to stand around in a group at the start.  We will set up a Google form for this.
• Small groups - we typically break into small groups anyhow, broken up by pace and distance.  But think this out ahead of time, so we don’t have to spend time at the beginning as a mob.

Running Etiquette  - Six feet? Mask?

I have read that if a six foot circle was adequate most of the time, then for a runner, that circle would be more teardrop shaped, narrow but with a long tail behind you.  That study also said what with cross winds made the real boundaries nearly impossible to figure out.

The good news is that open air transmissions are very rare, but I am sure we would all like to do better than just adequate.  (You run A LOT to do better than adequate!)  We can be the good neighbor when we are out on the rail trail and roads.

• Among ourselves, don't bunch up.  The outside is really large - use that space.
• When passing other people (the rail trail is busy), we can reform into a single file with lots of space.  

What about masks?  In almost all mask ordnance/recommendations I have read they are an exception for when performing rigorous exercise.  So I don't think we can expect/require members to wear them.  I, personally, will wear one when we meet to start. I will probably carry it in my waistband most of the time running.

How Will Things Evolve?

We are doing this on a trial basis.  If a lot of people show up, we may have to set up multiple starting places.  If very few people show up, we will organize in a different way.  

Every week, in the Saturday run announcement, we may have changes to how things work. Please make sure you read the details in the announcement. There will also be a link to a Google form for answering the COVID questions.  This will also give us an idea how many runners to expect so we can be prepared.

This is a strange new world we are living and running in.  But I have often thought that it is the athlete, with hard work and discipline, who is in the best position to face new demands.  And it is a team (and club) which gives us the support we need to do more than we think we can.

The UVRC Board