Marathons are back and in times of COVID-19, sanitary security measures are stricter than other years. This has generated many doubts among the participants and the relatives of the runners regarding the safety measures, whether to have a PCR done while vaccinated, the capacity limits and the use of the mask in an outdoor space.
It is because of that we will give all possible information regarding vaccination, if it is necessary to do a PCR, the use of masks and other keys to participate in a marathon safely in the time of COVID.
To avoid the accumulation of people in the same place that, even if it is outdoors, can super risk of contagion, many localities have decided to space the races in time, so that they are at different times, to avoid the crowding of people in the same place. In addition, they have established as a mandatory norm a social distancing of at least 2 meters, and as a recommendation about 5 meters, both between runners and spectators.
For example, the 43rd edition of the Madrid Marathon has decided to space the three races such that the 10-kilometer race is at 7:45, the marathon is at 8:45 and the half marathon is at 11 am. Valencia also implements this measure to limit the number of runners and maintain social distance.
Each locality will organize their races in the safest way possible, in the case of New York, it is a single 42-kilometer race but only 33,000 runners will be able to participate, instead of the 55,000 that were in other years. Berlin, on the other hand, of the 62,000 runners that usually exist, only a maximum of 25,000 will be able to register.
Capacity to be implemented in the event and use of masks
They will reduce the capacity by a percentage depending on the conditions of each locality, that is, the capacity will be limited as dictated by the city council from the city where the Marathon takes place. What’s more, in all marathons, both Spanish and international, they will follow the same protocol in which All participants’ companions will have to wear a mandatory mask, regardless of whether it is outdoors.
On the other hand, the runners will not need to carry it, except at the start and the finish line, that is, they can only take it out at the moment they start running and they must keep it stored throughout the route, in case it is convenient. use it.
The Madrid Marathon will subdue the runners taking a body temperature before entering the starting box, to ensure that there are no runners with a fever.
PCR, antigen test or vaccination
In all marathons, the vaccination certificate will be necessary with a complete schedule, that is, having received the two regulatory doses for the moment, with exceptions. And a PCR test will also be mandatory o negative antigen test, carried out 72 hours or days before the race
In the case of the Barcelona Marathon, they will identify the runners with a bracelet as they are not carriers of the disease, in this way implement comprehensive security both for the runner, as the companions and the workers.
The Valencia Marathon asks for the complete vaccination certificate or passport and dated before September 30, in addition it will also be mandatory to carry out a PCR 72 hours before the event. And in the case of Berlin, it will only be necessary to have the PCR test 48 hours before the race.
In some locations, such as Madrid A negative PCR will be required for the companions of the runners who want to enter the runner’s fair, as well as the volunteers, the suppliers and the organization of the event will also have to have the negative test carried out and negative.
Where to find information on upcoming marathons
To know the regulations of each marathon, since each locality has common standards but also has its ownIdeally, you should go to the website of the local council or the marathon organizers.
For example, the Berlin marathon has its own website, where you will find all the information about the marathon in English. New York also has its own website, where you have health and safety sections where they indicate the regulations to be followed.
Regarding the Spanish marathons, it has its website that is Valencia Ciudad del Running, where you can also find information about it. All marathons have their website, where the information will be more accurate than in other places.
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Images | iStock, Unsplash.