March 12, 2020
The Run for the Red Marathon and Half Marathon puts runner and volunteer safety first. Facing the threat of COVID-19, the following plan of action has been implemented.
The 2020 races are currently on as scheduled. The Governor of Pennsylvania has suggested that gatherings of greater than 250 people be suspended for the next 14 days. Our May 16-17 event weekend is more than 60 days away – too far in the future to predict the status of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are in contact with our local health officials to monitor the evolving situation closely. The Run for the Red will only be cancelled if a government order prohibits events with large gatherings.
If necessary, here are some of the actions the Run for the Red is prepared to take to reduce risk on race weekend:
- Runners and volunteers will be instructed how to self-screen and to stay home if they feel ill or have flu-like symptoms.
- Water station and finish line volunteers will wear surgical gloves.
- Hand sanitizer will be available at all race areas, including expo, start, finishes, and water stops.
- Hydration stations may offer individual sized sealed water bottles so volunteers aren’t pouring and handling open cups.
- Hydration stations may offer individual sized sealed Gatorade bottles so volunteers aren’t preparing, pouring, and handling open cups.
- The Expo may be cancelled with packet pickup moving outdoors.
Runners who are experiencing illness or flu-like symptoms should stay home. As always, we encourage runners to purchase registration protection at checkout.
If the 2020 Run for the Red is cancelled by a government ordered COVID-19 quarantine, it will not be rescheduled. Please understand that our no refund policy remains in effect. The Run for the Red has already spent money to purchase items such as shirts, medals, and other services and the American Red Cross cannot possibly absorb these costs and issue refunds. However, if the race is cancelled, all registered runners will be offered a registration deferral to the 2021 race. This deferral is good for entry in the 2021 Run for the Red only. If the 2020 races proceed, our no refund, no deferral policy remains in effect.
The American Red Cross and Run for the Red Committee thank you for your support and understanding during this unprecedented public health emergency.
Another update will be posted on Thursday March 26th.
Zack Booth
Race Director
Run for the Red
