Following the Government’s road map out of lockdown, UKA’s guidance and TRA advice for events returning in 2021, we’ve been assessing when and how White Star Running events can start up again safely. As always, we want to be upfront and honest with you all about what’s going on behind the scenes.
We want the Ox Races to feel as much like a White Star Running event as it can in these times. Both the above sets of guidance state that restrictions on travel will not be eased until Step 3 (at the earliest 17th May), but that travel for events will be allowed. However, this third step also covers permitted overnight stays for those who require shared use of toilet/washing facilities, and spectators being allowed at events.
Bearing all this in mind, we have had to consider is it is hygienically acceptable during a global pandemic to ask those runners who are running at night/for three days/for a long time to have no access to shared shower facilities?
We always put our runners first, as you know. This is at the forefront of planning for all our events. However, with this published guidance, we feel we can’t stage the Ox Races on the planned date in line with the above guidance. Therefore, we are postponing the Ox Races to the 21st-23rd May 2021 when we hope that ‘Step 3’ of the roadmap will be applicable as planned. A huge thank you to the Rushmore Estate for letting us move to this new date.
Same format applies to the weekend:
Friday 21st An ox of 2 half’s & Dark Ox
Saturday 22nd 50m & Frolic
Sunday 23rd Light Ox & Half Marathon
We know there are some of you who might still feel a little uncomfortable about attending a race just yet. As such, our intention, as always, is to treat all our customers equally and fairly, while maintaining a future for White Star Running.
All entries have been automatically deferred to the new date. If you can’t make it, or don’t wish to do so, you can select one of the options from our Fair Runner Policy. Several of the Ox Races have waiting lists in operation, so your place won’t go to waste.
Alternatively, we’ve decided to allow runners to complete their Ox Race virtually from their home location. If you wish to take up this virtual option, you’ll need to contact us by Friday 9th April with your race distance and unisex t-shirt size at the email address [email protected].
If you still plan to attend the Ox Races on the new dates, camping will open again for bookings in April with some Covid-safe restrictions in place. The event will be cupless so you will need to carry your own drinking vessel. Aid stations will only provide drinks: water, squash and beer. For those who are going to come along, please help our team and check your entries on your ‘My Entries’ tab in your FOS account. Double check that you have the correct address and email listed, and that you’ve answered any questions on t-shirt size or the Epic challenge, so we have all the up-to-date information we need.
While we deal with the current participants’ requests, all races for the Ox weekend will close for entry now. Then, on the 10th April, if we can accommodate more runners, we will reopen for new entries.
We know this news will be disappointing to some, but we really want to bring you the best event we can within current guidance and restrictions. By moving the date, we feel we have the best chance of achieving an EPIC event for all of our runners, crew and supporters.
The WSR Team