We are very happy to announce that the 2020 Never Summer 100k will go ahead as planned on the weekend of July 25/26.
Many thanks to State Forest State Park, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, and innumerable friends and resources who helped craft a plan under which the event can safely happen.
There’s a fair bit to communicate. Whether you are a runner, volunteer, pacer or crew – we need you to read it all – before you come to the race – including our full list of safety protocols and race changes.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is a strong chance some of these protocols will change too. All changes will be communicated via email and on our website – but it is ultimately your responsibility to read, understand and follow the full list. The intent of these protocols matters more than exact wording – so please don’t look for loopholes – and do your best to embrace the changes and our need to manage everyone’s safety.
If you feel like you cannot or do not want to deal with this year’s changes, then we are offering a full deferral to next year’s race (see below).
Summary of main race changes for 2020:
- ALL participants (runners, volunteers, crews, pacers) are required to:
- Preregister
- Wear a mask at all times, except when 1) running 2) eating/drinking
- Have a contactless Temperature Check upon arrival. Those with temperatures above 100.4F will be required to leave
- Clear Lake (mile 39.4/43.9) and Canadian (mile 50.1) Aid will be combined into Clear-Canadian Aid (mile 37.7/44.0).
- Slight course change on the north end, shortening total distance to just under 62 miles.
- Ranger Lakes Aid (mile 62.0) is eliminated
- 55K option may be added (to be confirmed)
- Limited Menu & Service at Aid Stations
- Drop Bags available at all Aid Stations
- Crew/Pacers limited to 2 total per runner
- Wave Starts
- No Sunday Awards/Breakfast
We all look forward to a fun, relaxed atmosphere celebrating a return to racing, yet we all also appreciate that things will look a little different. Our approval to hold this race is contingent on following the safety protocols that have been submitted to, and approved by, State Forest State Park and Jackson County. We appreciate you playing your part. Those not cooperating will be asked to leave and could be subject to disqualification. We really don’t want to have to do that, so let’s all play by the rules and continue to gain trust as a responsible user group.
If you feel unsafe taking part with the protocols we plan to put in place, or you feel like this year’s race experience will not be fulfilling for you, we encourage you to defer. 100% credit transfer to 2021 will remain open for another week, through the end of the day on June 16, after which point our normal deferral policies will resume. If you would like to defer your entry, please email: registration@gnarrunners.com
We will begin opening up available spots to waitlisted runners after June 16, once we have a clear picture of our entrant numbers.
As runners and race participants ourselves, we are doing our best to strike a balance between offering a fulfilling race experience and ensuring we can manage risks to your health and safety. Please contact us any time with questions and we will do our level best to respond within 24 hours: racedirector@gnarrunners.com
Nick Clark & Brad Bishop
Gnar Runners
P.S. We are working to update all race information in all locations as quickly as possible in light of our newly-approved COVID-19 Safety Protocols. We appreciate your patience. If you have questions or find conflicting information, please email us.
