The discussion with Jonny Hamp, Head of Events at British Triathlon, explored developments at the national governing body. 2020 has clearly been a very challenging year for event organisers in Britain, and beyond. In the discussion, Jonny outlined how British Triathlon has adapted to the Covid-challenge.
Faced with the onset of the pandemic, British Triathlon set out some clear principles, particularly around strong communication and protecting people. It also stayed as close as possible to the UK Government’s Department of Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England.
A ‘think tank’ working group was pulled together quickly, comprised of a number of experienced race directors from all of Britain’s Home Nations. This was used as a candid forum to discuss best practice.
Rather than adapt and force fit events into the pandemic situation, British Triathlon and its working group started with a blank sheet. This meant that event policies could be put in place with the priority focusing on hygiene and social distancing practices.
After many iterations, a number of Covid requirements were communicated to the wider race organiser community. Since the end of July, when the UK reopened after Lockdown 1.0, and prior to Lockdown 2.0, a total of 92 triathlon events were able to run in England, Wales & Scotland.
The key principles from the British Triathlon guidance are the same, regardless whether an event is small, featuring less than 100 athletes, or if it is one of the larger events on the UK race calendar.
In terms of the medium to long term future, Jonny noted that… “Numbers are strong. Actually, this adversity has brought the events community even closer together – to the extent that you have some of the biggest names from an event staging point of view, who are actively working together to help each other to find solutions.”
British Triathlon resources
- Current state of play
- Event participants – return to play
- FAQs
- Event Organiser System (login details required)
