Another week of interesting sessions and engagement with the Strength In Numbers session. See highlights below:
- The delay in return of parkrun in England due to push-back from local councils resulted in significant social and mainstream media activity including an open letter from World Athletics CEO, Lord Sebastian Coe. There now seems to be a strong possibility of parkrun returning there in late June.
- Ongoing huge global inconsistencies between approval for high profile sports and Mass Participation events. The question was posed “is the industry being too timid and do we need to push back more as well as educate councils on the limited outdoor transmission risks of MP events?”
- In Romania, approval has been given for the Bucharest Marathon and Half Marathon in September and October with 10,000 participants per event but only vaccinated runners will be allowed to participate. Clarification still being sought on how confirmation of vaccination will be managed – current proof is via paper certificates. Organisers concerned with the discrimination that this ruling creates.
- In South Africa, there are still regulations that only allow events with less than 200 participants. As they are anticipating a third wave, they are expecting tighter regulations in the coming week. At this point, most events are or a championship nature eg cross-country and are being funded by Federations on a provincial level. Very hard to attract sponsors due to low numbers but some traction with the inclusion of live streaming.
- In Ireland, organisers are currently only allowed to run events with a maximum of 100 participants. Next week, however, they are expecting the Government to announce relaxation of regulations.
- Growing optimism in US with organisers building out plans for Q4 events. With the continuous roll-out of vaccines, there is expectation that some states will be moved to post post-pandemic regulations possibly within weeks. In some states wearing of face masks is no longer required.
- This contrasts with Oregon which still has strict guidelines and is hosting numerous championships including Olympic Track and Field trials in late June.
- Melbourne impacted by a snap 7 day lockdown which started at midnight on Thursday after 26 positive cases were found.
- Canada is expecting to go to Step 4 in September – which is described as “close to normality”. By June 15, indoor events will also be allowed but at a reduced capacity.
7 June Monday
10am London
1pm Dubai
5pm Singapore
7pm Sydney
7pm Sydney
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8 June Tuesday
Monday
6pm Los Angeles
9pm New York
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