INTRODUCTION 

This information is intended to provide guidance on safely operating the ASICS Falmouth Road Race as COVID cases rise and fall on Cape Cod, and other areas of the Commonwealth.  We also strongly recommend that participants/runners, staff, and volunteers become vaccinated with one of the approved WHO vaccines prior to race weekend. 

As vaccination rates increase across the country, eventually the likelihood of severe diseases and mortality will decline, as will the likelihood of transmission. However, during this transition period between a pandemic phase and endemic phase of the epidemic, many mitigation requirements are still required to keep participants, staff, and volunteers safe in the context of running races.

The risk of outdoor transmission has been estimated to be nearly 20 times lower than indoors and occurs so infrequently that outdoor transmission events – particularly when social distancing or using masks – is rarely described in the medical literature. 

Recent reports and surveillance work has demonstrated that outdoor transmission comprises as few as 0.1% of all transmission events.  The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols that are released into the air while talking, laughing, coughing, and breathing.

Indoors, these droplets remain in the air for minutes to hours. Outdoors, droplets and aerosols are dispersed rapidly, resulting in a lower risk of transmission to others.  The risk of transmission at outdoor gatherings is dependent on things such as: 

  • The amount of time spent in close contact with others
  • The number of people at the gathering, the ability to socially distance, and the use of face masks

In the context of road races and mass gatherings, mitigation measures at contact points, including registration/packet/bib pick-up, the Health & Fitness Expo, busing to start locations, start and finish lines, water points, restrooms, and all medical facilities are the most important in reducing the likelihood of a transmission event.

MITIGATION MEASURES/REQUIREMENTS AT THE ASICS FALMOUTH ROAD RACE
  1. Masks/face coverings must be used at any point where individuals cannot socially distance or are indoors (ie, at the Health & Fitness Expo, Number Pick-up, the shuttle buses and in Woods Hole.) The ASICS Falmouth Road Race (FRR) will provide all runners, staff, and volunteers with an approved surgical mask for use at bib pick-up, on the buses to Woods Hole, and, if needed, upon entering any one of our medical facilities or transporting ambulances. Single-layered material such as neck gaiters, cloth masks, and bandanas do not provide sufficient protection and should be avoided. Again, we ask that all runners, volunteer, and staff use the face masks provided by the event, which will be available at key locations throughout the weekend.
  2. We will NOT require any of our participants to use a mask on the racecourse. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of facial coverings during vigorous exercise given that one meter (three feet) of distance is maintained. Running in groups that stick together for the race should be discouraged, if possible. In general, because of airflow and dispersion afforded by being outdoors, as well as the limited duration that any two participants spend near each other on the course, the probability of transmission during racing is strongly reduced. 
  3. Social distancing when outdoors, one meter (three feet), should be maintained between individuals even on the race course.
  4. Medical staff will be provided with and required to have surgical masks and gloves, and in some cases face shields or goggles. Runners, staff, or volunteers entering any one of our five medical tents will be required to wear a mask prior to entry or will not be granted entrance in those facilities. Masking will also be required for any runner needing transport to a hospital resulting from participation in the race.
  5. Sanitizing – Regarding sanitizing, COVID-19 is primarily spread through the air, but there remains a small possibility of transmitting through surface contact. Sanitizing of surfaces can reduce the small risk of transmission. It should be noted, however, the relatively minimal effect sanitizing surfaces has been shown to have epidemiologically. FRR will provide hand sanitizer at all key touch points, along with sanitizing wipes as needed. They will also provide all runners and volunteers with a pocket-sized container of hand sanitizer. 
  6. Registration/Bib Pick-up will be the first point of contact during race week. FRR will not be conducting a mandatory health screening questionnaire upon arrival but reserves the right to change this mitigation plan if the COVID-19 variants become more prevalent, or if state or CDC guidelines are changed. Efforts to ensure rapid and socially distanced registration and bib pick up are encouraged. Masks should be worn while queuing and by all staff and volunteers.
  7. Busing/Transportation to Woods Hole: All runners, staff, volunteers, and drivers will be required to wear an event-provided surgical face mask prior to entering the bus. All windows on the bus will be kept open – regardless of the weather – to promote air flow. Hand sanitizer will also be available as needed.
  8. Starting Line/Woods Hole:  We strongly recommend that all runners continue to wear their face mask, even once they depart the bus, heading to the start corral prior to the start. We encourage all to pocket this face mask for reuse at the finish or discard the mask in a provided waste receptacle. 
  9. On the course: Masks are not required while running on the race course. Water station volunteers will wear gloves, be offered face shields, and utilize the “cup the cup” strategy offering cups of water with an extended arm, holding cup in the palm of their hands out to runners. Masks are required in medical tents. 
  10. Finish Line and post finish area: No gathering. The ballfield will be closed to spectators and runners per Falmouth Public Safety. Runners will receive a grab-and-go bag with snacks and water before exiting Falmouth Heights by designated routes.

Please do not throw the mask on any public roads, walkways, or private property. 

CURRENT STATUS OF THE PANDEMIC: 

A few months into our second year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it is known that Data has shown that vaccinated individuals can occasionally become infected with the COVID-19 virus, but normally at levels that do not cause hospitalizations or death. Recent news from Provincetown and other parts of the country have shown higher outbreak levels not seen since earlier in the year – so this event and our leadership remains vigilant as to closely monitor the situation as it continues to evolve. 

EXPECTATIONS 

All runners, staff, volunteers, spectators, and public safety officials should remain informed and continue to make determinations regarding their involvement and personal safety. The Falmouth Road Race leadership, Board of Directors, and Medical Committee will work in cooperation with Town officials and will continue to follow the guidance as provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during this event. While we strongly encourage all participants to get vaccinated for COVID-19, having received the second shot at least two weeks prior to August 15, we know not everyone, including children under 12, have that option. For those reasons, we ask that all involved follow our mitigation plan without exception. 

BASIC SCIENCE-BASED GUIDANCE FOR RACES OF ALL SIZES 

First and foremost, the ASICS Falmouth Road Race will comply with all standards in accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance and will adjust as necessary.

It is important to note that most public health guidance is not written with outdoor races in mind. Therefore, while some local guidance may be applicable, other aspects of the guidance may be flexible when considering the type of event. Please reference: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

FRR will run a reduced field of participants but will keep our regular allotment of staff and volunteers to support the event and its participants accordingly. Given the current status of the virus, and directives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we will not be conducting any mandatory infectious health screening questionnaires prior to or during the day of the event. 

RACE SAFE – We are offering this new opt-in program to support our efforts to provide the best medical care if needed. Runners are asked to fill out a pre-event medical questionnaire. If necessary, this information can be accessed by our medical team. All information is confidential and protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations. If you missed your opportunity to fill out the Race Safe questionnaire, please send us an email and we will share the link with you. 

Since it has been proven that onsite temperature screening has not been effective in detecting the virus, we will rely on all runners, staff, and volunteers to monitor their health leading up to, and on the morning of the race, August 15, 2021. 

If for any reason a staff member, runner or volunteer exhibits any symptoms of illness – including a cough (dry or wet), fever, joint aches or have any unusual symptoms – please stay home and consult with your family physician.

The health screening or monitoring of your personal health is not a replacement for social distancing or mask use as directed in this document – even if vaccinated. Prudent measures are necessary to minimize risks to everyone. 

Additionally, FRR expects the following: 

  • Inform FRR of any COVID-19 symptoms you/your family experience, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to August 12 (the start of bib pick up). If you test positive, you can complete your 7 miles as part of the At-Home Edition.
  • All participants are to use face coverings, supplied by the event, at bib pick-up and on runner buses. Masks are recommended at the start area if you are unvaccinated and/or unable to physically distance yourself from other participants.  
  • Be mindful of the physical distance (greater than 6 feet) from people you may wish to maintain who are not part of your household or with whom you did not travel (your travel unit).
  • A properly worn face covering will be required any time you enter an enclosed space (i.e. bib pick up, buses, indoor facilities, and medical tents.) FRR will supply masks in areas where required.
  • Frequent and thorough hygiene practices like hand washing and reducing or eliminating shared items such as water bottles, cups, or towels. 
  • Parents should be responsible for ensuring their children adhere to physical distancing, hygiene practices and use of masks, as recommended. 

INTRODUCTION  

This information is intended to provide guidance on safely participating in the ASICS Falmouth Road Race. Over the past six months, the virus has moved from pandemic to endemic phase.  Though not as disruptive to everyday life, COVID-19 will have a constant presence in our foreseeable future.   

Mitigation measures still need to be considered to keep participants, staff, and volunteers safe in the context of any mass gathering event. 

Health experts have identified several variants of the disease.  Symptoms of the current variant include cough, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and muscle pains. A loss of taste and smell is becoming less common. 

Illness seems to be less severe, and hospitalizations and deaths have decreased, but we still need to stay vigilant and revisit these mitigation measures as the disease changes. 

We do know that the risk of outdoor transmission has been estimated to be nearly 20 times lower than indoors and occurs infrequently during outdoor events. While it seems most of our public interactions are returning to normal, we still support recommendations provided by the CDC and local health departments on measures to stay safe from the virus.   

General Health Considerations to Stay Healthy: 

  • If you are attending any large gathering (indoors or outside), think about the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. 
  • Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. When appropriate, consider getting your vaccine booster.  Studies have shown that vaccine effectiveness can wane over time. Boosting will not prevent you from getting the COVID virus, but it will lessen your chances of being severely impacted or hospitalized.  As new variants are introduced into the population, getting vaccinated and boosted are your best means to combat the virus. 
  • In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. That will be the case for most of you at any Falmouth Road Race event. You will have the option to use a mask at the runner expo, bus loading, and other event related activities, and appropriate masks will be provided at these locations. Understand, this practice is not mandated but recommended. 
  • If you are at risk for severe illness, wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection than a surgical mask. 
  • Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (see above). Home Rapid Antigen Tests are still the best way to determine if you have COVID. Consider running the At-Home Event when symptoms improve. 
  • If you do test positive, stay home, isolate, and wait the recommended period of time (normally 5 days) before you leave your home. 

 MITIGATION MEASURES/REQUIREMENTS AT THE ASICS FALMOUTH ROAD RACE 

  1. Masks/face coverings at this time masks are not required to be worn at any ASICS Falmouth Road Race Event. (ie, at the Health & Fitness Expo, Number Pick-up.) The ASICS Falmouth Road Race (FRR) is working closely with our Medical Team to provide the safest event for participants, spectators, staff, and volunteers. COVID-19 is still an ongoing risk for many, and procedures are subject to change. ASICS Falmouth Road Race (FRR) will provide runners, staff, and volunteers with an approved surgical mask if requested. Masks will be required for entering any of our medical tents or ambulances. 
  2. We will NOT require any of our participants to use a mask on the racecourse. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of facial coverings during vigorous exercise. In general, because of airflow and dispersion afforded by being outdoors, as well as the limited duration that any two participants spend near each other on the course, the probability of transmission during racing is strongly reduced.  
  3. Currently, Medical staff will be provided with and required to have surgical masks and gloves, and in some cases face shields or goggles. Runners, staff, or volunteers entering any one of our five medical tents will be required to wear a mask prior to entry or will not be granted entrance in those facilities. Masking will also be required for any runner needing transport to a hospital resulting from participation in the race. 
  4. Registration/Bib Pick-up will be the first point of contact during race week. FRR will NOT be conducting a mandatory health screening and will NOT require proof of vaccination upon arrival but reserves the right to change this mitigation plan if the COVID-19 variants become more prevalent, or if state or CDC guidelines are changed.   
  5. Busing/Transportation to Woods Hole: At this time runners, staff, volunteers, and drivers will not be required to wear a face mask prior to entering the bus. If you do wish to use a mask, we will provide an appropriate mask at bus loading. Hand sanitizer will also be available as needed. 
  6. Starting Line/Woods Hole: We are not requiring runners to wear a mask at the Start Line.    
  7. Finish Line and post finish area: The ball field festivities will be returning this year! Although this is an outdoor event, the transmission of disease is increased with close contact. Wearing a mask, though not required, is recommended.
     

Please do not throw the mask on any public roads, walkways, or private property.

Adequate trash receptacles are provided. 

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