Press Release - New York Road Runners - 9/27/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

         New York Road Runners Hosts Pilot Race Unveiling New Model 
                   for Races to Return Safely in the Fall

                 NYRR Tests its First Road Race Since March

                               VIDEO / PHOTO

WHAT: NYRR hosted a pilot race on Sunday, September 27, the NYRR Return to 
Racing Pilot 4M, the organization's first race since the pandemic shut down 
in mid-March. The four-mile race took place in Central Park for nearly 200 
runners from local running clubs testing out new comprehensive health and 
safety guidelines.

NYRR utilized a time trial format where a maximum of 50 runners started 
every half hour with two runners starting every 10 seconds. The first start 
kicked-off at 6:30 a.m. New procedures and modifications were in place 
including mask-wearing requirements, temperature checks, increased and 
staggered starts, self-hydration options, hand sanitation stations, and 
limited race amenities to uphold social distancing.

BROLL/SOUNDBITES:    
    NYRR Return to Racing Pilot 4M Broll Package
        - Soundbites from Jim Heim, Race Director, NYRR
        - Broll of start, finish, and health and safety guidelines

PHOTOS:
    NYRR Return to Racing Pilot 4M Photos

CREDIT: New York Road Runners

BACKGROUND:

As the state of New York continues to be one of the safest places in the 
country in terms of COVID-19, NYRR returned to road racing under the 
guidance of public health officials and medical experts and in partnership 
with the City of New York and the NYC Parks Department. As part of NYRR's 
commitment to the health and safety of our runners, staff, and the larger 
community, the following guidelines were implemented:

    - Runners started on a time trial basis to ensure social distancing:
        - Two runners start every 10 seconds.
        - A maximum 50 runners can start every half hour.
        - Maximum field size of 200 runners
    - Participant Mask and Social Distancing Policy?:
        - Participants must wear masks for the entirety of the race 
including start, course, and finish areas
        - Participants must undergo a temperature check and are required to 
answer a questionnaire prior to the race
        - Participants must socially distance

    - Runners' bibs were mailed prior to race day to reduce pre-race 
crowding in the start area.
    - To reduce contact and adhere to social distancing:
        - Runners were allowed self-hydration including fuel belts, 
hydration packs, and handheld water bottles. No water stations available.
        - No onsite baggage offered.
        - No spectators were permitted at the start and finish areas.
        - Prepackaged amenity bags post-race
    - Hand sanitizer stations available at the start and finish areas.
    - Upon finishing, runners directed to disperse from the area to avoid 
crowding.
 
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