We are very happy to announce that the Black Squirrel Trail Half Marathon (September 12) and Blue Sky Trail Marathon (October 17) have provisional approval from the Larimer County Department of Public Health, as well as Lory State Park (Black Squirrel) and Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (Blue Sky)! The approval is contingent on pandemic requirements remaining at (or improving from) their current levels of restrictiveness. Help keep the curve flattened!
Many thanks to innumerable friends and resources who helped craft a plan where the events can safely happen.
There’s a lot 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 (Black Squirrel – Blue Sky).
As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is a strong chance some of these protocols will too. We promise to communicate any changes via email, social media and our website – but it is ultimately your responsibility to read, understand and follow the full list.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- ALL participants (runners & volunteers) are required to:
- Sign a COVID-specific waiver (Black Squirrel – Blue Sky)
- 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
- Limited Service at Aid Stations, Changes to Drop Bag Policies
- Wave Starts & changes to start times
- No Awards Ceremony, Food/Drinks-To-Go
- Discouraging attendance of families & spectators
We all look forward to a fun, relaxed atmosphere that feels normal, yet we all also know things will be different. Our approval to hold this race is contingent on following safety protocols submitted to and approved by the Larimer County Department of Public Health, and 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.
For current registrants, if you feel unsafe taking part with the protocols we’ve put in place, or 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 August 20, after which point our normal deferral policies will resume.
We are reducing our field sizes. Black Squirrel will be capped at 300 runners, and Blue Sky at 250. Space is still remaining in each as of the date of this release.
As ultrarunners ourselves, we are doing our best to strike a balance between a fulfilling race experience and ensuring we can manage risks to your health and safety. Please contact us any time with questions.
Brad Bishop & Nick Clark
Gnar Runners
P.S. Wash your hands
