RunThrough, a UK-based running events organiser, has praised the UK Government for ‘firing the starting gun on mental health improvements for millions.’
The UK race organiser added that the planned opening up of organised outdoor sports had sparked a ‘100% increase in website activity and a surge in 2021/22 race bookings.’
RunThrough announced plans to help host 200 races during the next year – ‘a welcome Easter treat for Britain’s estimated 7 million runners.’
Matt Wood, RunThrough’s Co-Founder and a former International distance runner, said “This is the brilliant news our community have all been waiting for. After last year’s lockdown, between August and December, we put on around 25% of all races in the UK, with Covid awareness measures in place. We’ve gained more experience than any other UK events company in staging events in this safe way.
“Now, after people have been cooped up in lockdown for months, huge pent-up demand from runners has built up. We’ve seen a major surge in bookings for our 2021 events calendar and our website traffic has shot up by over 100%.”
He added “The Government has fired the starting gun to boost the physical and above all mental wellbeing benefits available to everyone from running. This will affect millions of runners across the country and we warmly welcome this decision.”
The company cited figures to underline the importance of running in the UK:
- 7 million people across UK turned to running or jogging to care for their mental health during Covid crisis, a Macmillan Cancer Support survey revealed last month.
- One in seven in the K (14%) told the charity that going running or jogging had helped them to de-stress since the first lockdown last March.
- 43% of UK runners are exercising more now than before pandemic. 82% of UK runners say running plays a key role in helping them clear their mind during lockdown, according to survey by top running brand ASICS.
According to the Government Roadmap, restrictions affecting formally organised outdoor sports in England were due to be lifted on March 29.
One of the sector’s governing bodies, England Athletics, has published guidelines giving event organisers an official ‘green light’ to start staging organised races again, provided they are ‘Covid-secure’.
Before lockdown RunThrough staged 136 UK events in 2019 attracting 122,000 runners. Co-founder Matt Wood added “This year, we’re expecting our 200 events to attract between 150,000-180,000 people.
“Last year, we developed a blueprint for Covid-safe races. Before race day, to reduce contact, we sent out race packs to runners early so participants can arrive ‘ready-to-race’. When people arrive at our race village, they are greeted by marshals, some wearing full-face visors and all wearing PPE.
“As well as face shields, our staff also wear gloves to reduce the risk of germ transmission. We have sanitiser stations with hand gels and runners are discouraged from bringing belongings so we can reduce contact with others in baggage areas.”
Other Covid-safe measures include:
- Runners are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to eliminate the need for water stations
- Group pre-race warmups are conducted at a socially safe distance
- Marshals are briefed to maintain distance from runners while keeping the same friendly relationship
- Queues for the toilet cabin facilities are distanced
- Signs remind runners to observe a 2-metre social distance and no spitting is allowed
- At support desks, waist-high plastic sheeting protects stewards and runners from getting too close
- At the start runners line up at coloured cones are laid out at distances on the ground
Matt Wood said “Our starts are staggered and runners are guided to set off in waves of four to six to ease congestion. And fast runners are asked to give slower participants space when overtaking, of around 2 metres.
“At the end, our marshals direct runners to collect their own medals, rather than be handed one and to reduce congestion, at the end people are asked to keep moving past the finish line, then leave the village to avoid groups congregating.”
RunThrough’s first 2021 Covid-secure events started on Easter Saturday, April 3, at Kempton Park followed by events at Tatton Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Runners have the option to take part in 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon events.
‘In November, RunThrough will make its debut at Alton Towers with a two-day running festival. Celebrities who have taken part in RunThrough events include chef Gordon Ramsay, actress Helena Bonham-Carter, Hollywood star Will Ferrell, singer Katy B and snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.’
