Event Updates and Statement on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
June 3, 2021
With last week's announcement of the 4 stage BC Restart plan we are encouraged that our province is moving in the right direction in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be watching how the pandemic progresses here in BC over the next 4 weeks and plan to be able to have more information and details about our thanksgiving weekend event by mid July.
Registration will first open for athletes who deferred from the 2019 event cancellation during a priority registration period. Following this priority registration period, a public on sale date follow for all athletes who wish to join us but do not have a deferral code. Deferral codes will be sent to eligible athletes from our registration system in July prior to the priority registration period. All athletes who deferred WILL NEED TO REGISTER FOR THE 2021 EVENT - your registration is not automatically transferred over for you.
March 11, 2021 - DATE CHANGE
A message from our race director: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to provide plenty of uncertainty in our lives; one thing we know for certain is that B.C.'s Provincial Health Orders remain clear about large gatherings with people outside our households. While Dr Bonny Henry alluded that there may be some minor lifting of restrictions in the coming weeks, she also mentioned that we cannot return to pre-pandemic gatherings at this time. With that in mind our team has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 edition of the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool to (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. My hope is that by then we can return to social gatherings of at least 50 people, with safety protocols in place of course. I can tell you that this decision was not made lightly and was made in consultation with our local municipal government who is so very supportive of this event.
For runners who deferred from 2020 to 2021 in the half marathon and 30 km distances, your credit for this year is still valid, HOWEVER YOU WILL NEED TO RE-REGISTER, AND THIS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS TO THE CAPACITY OF THE EVENT AS OUTLINED IN THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH ORDERS - Once we feel we can open registration with some level of certainty that restrictions will be lifted to allow event to take place, you will receive more information on how to register using your 2020 deferral credit. Deferred runners from 2020 will receive advance access to register when the time comes. I would anticipate an early summer date for registration to re-open. At this time we are only planning to offer the half marathon and 30km distances in person as part of the event this year. Virtual options will also be available.
Once again we thank you for your ongoing patience as we work through the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought into our lives. Please continue to be kind to one another. We are optimistic that we will gather together before 2021 is out....and when we do it will feel so good!
Keep Running!
Dave
February 8, 2021 - Welcome to 2021!
Plans for the 2021 Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool are coming together with significant adaptations to the event in order to meet all expected provincial and federal health authority guidelines. Having said that, due to recent updates from the Provincial Health Officer in British Columbia, and the extension of current restrictions indefinitely, we have once again had to make the tough decision to once again delay opening registration until we have a better idea of what the summer holds.
We share in the frustration that this pandemic brings with trying to make plans, but our first and foremost concern is for athlete and participant safety and well being. We do not feel that opening registration at this time assists with that.
BUT, here is what we can share with you at this time with regards to our plans:
December 21, 2020 - As the state of the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to change by the day, we are proceeding, with caution, to find ways of delivering a 2021 adapted version of the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. At this time we can tell you the following:
December 7, 2020 - Due to the ongoing global pandemic and constant changes in public health orders restricting gatherings the opening of registration for the 2021 event is being moved from January 1st to February 15th, 2020. We are well into the planning stages of creating a adapted in person event for you to look forward to in June, but what that will look like specifically is very difficult to convey with any certainty. Rest assured we are working with the local health authority and the Resort Municipality to bring you an event in 2021. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
June 21, 2020 - Now that the 2020 virtual event has concluded, we set our sites on 2021. With so many unanswered questions in the event world, we will continue to take the lead from Dr Bonnie Henry and British Columbia's health authorities. While it feels we have been at this social distancing and new normal thing for a while, it realistically has been less than 4 months in this part of the world, and this could look drastically better (or worse we suppose) in another 4 months. We are cautiously optimistic that the 2021 event will be able to take place as it has in the past, and will be planning towards that until we hear otherwise. In the meantime we wish you g00d health and much gratitude for all that remains wonderful in our world. We will update this statement as more becomes clear later in 2020.
May 28, 2020 - As we quickly approach what would have been the 10th annual race week we are excited to be sharing with all of you the virtual run experience. You get to run your distance, in your time, in your location.....and we are glad many of you have registered to do so. As has been the case the last number of months the situation with COVID-19 continues to change at a rapid pace, and we continue to work with our local authorities and follow the lead of the provincial health authorities as to when we can get back to gathering as groups for events like ours. In the meantime, we wish you all good health, happiness, patience, and gratitude as we continue to work through this together. We are always here to answer your event related question so feel free to drop us a line if you have anything you need to know.
March 24, 2020 - The growing world-wide threat of COVID-19 has sadly led to the cancellation of the 2020 Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. Please see our cancellation notice for more information. We are heartbroken about the devastation that is the fall out of this virus, but we know we will get through this together. In an effort to help those most vulnerable to the financial implications of this crisis we have started the Community Recovery Fund, to which registered runners can choose to donate their paid registration if they see fit. BlueShore Financial will be matching donations up to the first $3,000 - so rest assured that your donation will go twice as far. This is just one of many options registered runners are provided. Non registered runners can also make a donation to the fund here. Please continue to wash you hands regularly, practice self isolation, and follow the directions of our health authorities. Stay safe and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
March 21, 2020 - Due to the continued threat and spread of COVID-19 we find ourselves in the position of having to temporarily suspend taking any additional registrations for this years event. While uncertainty grows around many things in our regular lives, so does the uncertainty of our ability to hold the event as planned in June. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and take our lead from the provincial health authorities. Uncertainty also applies to many families in the Sea to Sky Corridor who face tough days ahead with job loss, difficulty paying bills, and feeding their children. To help aid families who may need some additional assistance in the days, weeks and months ahead; we have created a Community Recovery Fund to help ensure that those most affected by this crisis are able to place healthy meals on their dinner tables.
The days ahead will give us greater clarity in our event planning. Please continue to practice social distancing, washing hand regularly, staying home as much as possible, and avoiding any gathering of people.
March 19, 2020 - These are uncertain, trying times without a doubt. As countries close their borders, layoffs are announced, and our resort finds itself all but closed for business as most cities and towns do; we find ourselves in a situation that is unprecedented. At this time our team is planning for the worst and hoping for better in terms of the event. While we no longer have 100% certainty that our event will be able to take place due to the ever changing landscape brought about by the spread and dynamic nature of COVID-19, we are making plans for all possible outcomes. Stay tuned as we know more in the coming days and weeks. Please rest assured that our planning takes into consideration the interests of all stakeholders including participants, our crew, our partners, our community, our suppliers, and our non profit society. In the meantime please remain safely active, at a distance from others; and take care of your loved ones and neighbours. We will get through this together.
March 16, 2020 - As we continue to follow along with the COVID-19 pandemic, our team is steadfastly working on event plans alongside contingency plans. Today the Province of British Columbia has called for the cancellation of all events over 50 people until May 31, 2020. As well as event planners, we too are athletes and understand the concerns these sorts of measures put on participants, partners, staff, and service providers. We continue to take our lead from our government partners along with the provincial health authorities and World Health Organization. It seems the only way to stop this spread is for everyone to remain close to home, avoid public places, avoid travel, and continually wash your hands. We hope everyone takes this advice and keeps the ones around them safe. We will update as we know more about the virus and how it effects our events.
March 11, 2020 - We at the Whistler Half Marathon, along with our presenting partner Smartwool, are monitoring the worldwide issue of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on a daily basis. While British Columbia and Whistler remain at low risk of transmission of the virus we will continue to work closely (as in all other years) with local our local government officials to ensure a safe and amazing run experience for all participants, spectators, and workforce. Event planning is well underway and we are excited to be creating an awesome experience for all of you June 5-7.
The Whistler Half Marathon will closely monitor the advice and recommendations of our regional health authority Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Centre for Disease Control, Government of Canada, and World Health Organization.
We also advise everyone to follow these directions from Vancouver Coastal Health to help keep yourself healthy and to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19 or any other virus:
With last week's announcement of the 4 stage BC Restart plan we are encouraged that our province is moving in the right direction in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be watching how the pandemic progresses here in BC over the next 4 weeks and plan to be able to have more information and details about our thanksgiving weekend event by mid July.
Registration will first open for athletes who deferred from the 2019 event cancellation during a priority registration period. Following this priority registration period, a public on sale date follow for all athletes who wish to join us but do not have a deferral code. Deferral codes will be sent to eligible athletes from our registration system in July prior to the priority registration period. All athletes who deferred WILL NEED TO REGISTER FOR THE 2021 EVENT - your registration is not automatically transferred over for you.
March 11, 2021 - DATE CHANGE
A message from our race director: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to provide plenty of uncertainty in our lives; one thing we know for certain is that B.C.'s Provincial Health Orders remain clear about large gatherings with people outside our households. While Dr Bonny Henry alluded that there may be some minor lifting of restrictions in the coming weeks, she also mentioned that we cannot return to pre-pandemic gatherings at this time. With that in mind our team has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 edition of the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool to (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. My hope is that by then we can return to social gatherings of at least 50 people, with safety protocols in place of course. I can tell you that this decision was not made lightly and was made in consultation with our local municipal government who is so very supportive of this event.
For runners who deferred from 2020 to 2021 in the half marathon and 30 km distances, your credit for this year is still valid, HOWEVER YOU WILL NEED TO RE-REGISTER, AND THIS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS TO THE CAPACITY OF THE EVENT AS OUTLINED IN THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH ORDERS - Once we feel we can open registration with some level of certainty that restrictions will be lifted to allow event to take place, you will receive more information on how to register using your 2020 deferral credit. Deferred runners from 2020 will receive advance access to register when the time comes. I would anticipate an early summer date for registration to re-open. At this time we are only planning to offer the half marathon and 30km distances in person as part of the event this year. Virtual options will also be available.
Once again we thank you for your ongoing patience as we work through the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought into our lives. Please continue to be kind to one another. We are optimistic that we will gather together before 2021 is out....and when we do it will feel so good!
Keep Running!
Dave
February 8, 2021 - Welcome to 2021!
Plans for the 2021 Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool are coming together with significant adaptations to the event in order to meet all expected provincial and federal health authority guidelines. Having said that, due to recent updates from the Provincial Health Officer in British Columbia, and the extension of current restrictions indefinitely, we have once again had to make the tough decision to once again delay opening registration until we have a better idea of what the summer holds.
We share in the frustration that this pandemic brings with trying to make plans, but our first and foremost concern is for athlete and participant safety and well being. We do not feel that opening registration at this time assists with that.
BUT, here is what we can share with you at this time with regards to our plans:
- Half Marathon and 30km distances will be offered in person, as well as in virtual formats.
- 5km and 10km will only be available in virtual formats - more information in the coming months on virtual events.
- Due to ongoing travel restrictions - In person events will ONLY be available for residents of Canada to register.
- We will be processing refunds for all runners who deferred from 2020 to 2021, that were registered in the 10km, 5km, kids run, or Dog Jog events, as these events will not happen in person for 2021. These refunds will be processed and on your credit card statements by March 1st.
- As we are unable to accept registrations for people outside of Canada, and we dont believe it is fair to continue to hold on to your hard earned money - We will be processing refunds for all runners who deferred from 2020 to 2021 who live outside of Canada. These refunds will be processed and on your credit card statement by March 1st.
- The course will be adapted to take place all on trails (no roadways in use), most of which will be in Lost Lake Park, on crushed gravel. Some of the course will also be on the paved valley trail.
- The Half Marathon will do 2 loops of a 10.55km course, The 30km will do 3 loops of a 10km course.
- The courses will be as scenic as ever, with a beautiful shaded run experience - so good that we think you need to experience them twice or 3 times! These courses are arguably tougher than the past aswell.
- We will offer up a virtual option for people not comfortable with in person events, or those who live outside the area. Watch for more information and registration options for these in the coming months.
- We expect to offer numerous start times with a maximum of 50 people per start time over the weekend.
- A time limit will be set at 4 hours to complete the half marathon or 30km course.
- Registration will open ONLY for 2020 registered runners who deferred (due to cancelled event) between March 15-25, 2021. More details will be emailed directly to you using the email address supplied on our 2020 registration.
- Any remaining in person spots will be made available to the general public starting March 1st.
- Should the event not be able to be held for any reason on dates in June, the event will be postponed to fall 2021.
December 21, 2020 - As the state of the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to change by the day, we are proceeding, with caution, to find ways of delivering a 2021 adapted version of the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. At this time we can tell you the following:
- Registration opening is delayed until February 15th, 2021
- We may need to alter the location and course used for the event
- We anticipate the format of the event will look very different than it has in the past
- We are working closely with the local government and health authority in our planning
- A date change for the event is a possibility in order to plan within health authority guidelines
- We expect to have more information to share in the coming few months
- We expect more guidance from the Provincial Health Officer on or before January 8th, 2021 as to what changes to restrictions on gatherings may be.
December 7, 2020 - Due to the ongoing global pandemic and constant changes in public health orders restricting gatherings the opening of registration for the 2021 event is being moved from January 1st to February 15th, 2020. We are well into the planning stages of creating a adapted in person event for you to look forward to in June, but what that will look like specifically is very difficult to convey with any certainty. Rest assured we are working with the local health authority and the Resort Municipality to bring you an event in 2021. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
June 21, 2020 - Now that the 2020 virtual event has concluded, we set our sites on 2021. With so many unanswered questions in the event world, we will continue to take the lead from Dr Bonnie Henry and British Columbia's health authorities. While it feels we have been at this social distancing and new normal thing for a while, it realistically has been less than 4 months in this part of the world, and this could look drastically better (or worse we suppose) in another 4 months. We are cautiously optimistic that the 2021 event will be able to take place as it has in the past, and will be planning towards that until we hear otherwise. In the meantime we wish you g00d health and much gratitude for all that remains wonderful in our world. We will update this statement as more becomes clear later in 2020.
May 28, 2020 - As we quickly approach what would have been the 10th annual race week we are excited to be sharing with all of you the virtual run experience. You get to run your distance, in your time, in your location.....and we are glad many of you have registered to do so. As has been the case the last number of months the situation with COVID-19 continues to change at a rapid pace, and we continue to work with our local authorities and follow the lead of the provincial health authorities as to when we can get back to gathering as groups for events like ours. In the meantime, we wish you all good health, happiness, patience, and gratitude as we continue to work through this together. We are always here to answer your event related question so feel free to drop us a line if you have anything you need to know.
March 24, 2020 - The growing world-wide threat of COVID-19 has sadly led to the cancellation of the 2020 Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. Please see our cancellation notice for more information. We are heartbroken about the devastation that is the fall out of this virus, but we know we will get through this together. In an effort to help those most vulnerable to the financial implications of this crisis we have started the Community Recovery Fund, to which registered runners can choose to donate their paid registration if they see fit. BlueShore Financial will be matching donations up to the first $3,000 - so rest assured that your donation will go twice as far. This is just one of many options registered runners are provided. Non registered runners can also make a donation to the fund here. Please continue to wash you hands regularly, practice self isolation, and follow the directions of our health authorities. Stay safe and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
March 21, 2020 - Due to the continued threat and spread of COVID-19 we find ourselves in the position of having to temporarily suspend taking any additional registrations for this years event. While uncertainty grows around many things in our regular lives, so does the uncertainty of our ability to hold the event as planned in June. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and take our lead from the provincial health authorities. Uncertainty also applies to many families in the Sea to Sky Corridor who face tough days ahead with job loss, difficulty paying bills, and feeding their children. To help aid families who may need some additional assistance in the days, weeks and months ahead; we have created a Community Recovery Fund to help ensure that those most affected by this crisis are able to place healthy meals on their dinner tables.
The days ahead will give us greater clarity in our event planning. Please continue to practice social distancing, washing hand regularly, staying home as much as possible, and avoiding any gathering of people.
March 19, 2020 - These are uncertain, trying times without a doubt. As countries close their borders, layoffs are announced, and our resort finds itself all but closed for business as most cities and towns do; we find ourselves in a situation that is unprecedented. At this time our team is planning for the worst and hoping for better in terms of the event. While we no longer have 100% certainty that our event will be able to take place due to the ever changing landscape brought about by the spread and dynamic nature of COVID-19, we are making plans for all possible outcomes. Stay tuned as we know more in the coming days and weeks. Please rest assured that our planning takes into consideration the interests of all stakeholders including participants, our crew, our partners, our community, our suppliers, and our non profit society. In the meantime please remain safely active, at a distance from others; and take care of your loved ones and neighbours. We will get through this together.
March 16, 2020 - As we continue to follow along with the COVID-19 pandemic, our team is steadfastly working on event plans alongside contingency plans. Today the Province of British Columbia has called for the cancellation of all events over 50 people until May 31, 2020. As well as event planners, we too are athletes and understand the concerns these sorts of measures put on participants, partners, staff, and service providers. We continue to take our lead from our government partners along with the provincial health authorities and World Health Organization. It seems the only way to stop this spread is for everyone to remain close to home, avoid public places, avoid travel, and continually wash your hands. We hope everyone takes this advice and keeps the ones around them safe. We will update as we know more about the virus and how it effects our events.
March 11, 2020 - We at the Whistler Half Marathon, along with our presenting partner Smartwool, are monitoring the worldwide issue of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on a daily basis. While British Columbia and Whistler remain at low risk of transmission of the virus we will continue to work closely (as in all other years) with local our local government officials to ensure a safe and amazing run experience for all participants, spectators, and workforce. Event planning is well underway and we are excited to be creating an awesome experience for all of you June 5-7.
The Whistler Half Marathon will closely monitor the advice and recommendations of our regional health authority Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Centre for Disease Control, Government of Canada, and World Health Organization.
We also advise everyone to follow these directions from Vancouver Coastal Health to help keep yourself healthy and to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19 or any other virus:
- Proper hand washing with soap and warm water
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Staying home when you're sick is the best protection for you and others
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