Corona Virus and events

Stark

I disagree. Saw plenty of friends posting pictures of nights out on Facebook, only a few days out from heading to family for Christmas. (Would have loved a meal out myself and would have been happy to take the personal risk but didn't want to take the risk of bringing something home to my parents/grandmother). Funnily enough, we had a run up Djouce planned for the solstice (off-shoot of the official unofficial IMRA solstice run) and they were all dropping out like flies sending moralising emails about "cases being too high etc.". Maybe the subliminal effect of being bombarded through December with "groups of people indoors in poor ventilation without masks is now safe" messaging:

https://twitter.com/Failte_Ireland/status/1336649940718800897

Which then flipped over to "long runs are murder" messaging in January when that backfired.

The inability of authorities to clearly and consistently communicate the relative risks of indoor and outdoor and present the latter in a positive light has been one of the biggest failings of our pandemic response imo. Sometimes it gets through and you hear them communicating "outdoors is 20 times safer" (and most of the outdoor infections have been due to ancillary indoor activities like car sharing/clubhouse etc.) but then people get photographed outside and there's a hysteria outbreak on social media and we're back to square one again.

Chivito550

Mauritius removed from the high risk list.

We're in the clear for races over there now.

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

Mauritius removed from the high risk list.

We're in the clear for races over there now.

Its in lockdown till the end of April 🀭

Arnold54321

Realistic question here when can we expect road running events back in Ireland? I’m talking the likes of Parkruns, Dunshaughlin 10k & Dublin marathon? Or is there more chance of smaller road races down the country with small fields?

Is anyone brave enough to call timeframes? I certainly am not!

Stark

I think June for small events (~ 100 - 200 people) possibly. Should be seeing the effects of better weather and the vaccination program by then. I think May will be spent trying to get critical sections of the economy (retail, personal services) open and races won't be top of government's priority list. I reckon vaccination should drive covid numbers low enough in late July/August for large events though I imagine race organizers will be reluctant to try and organize something for then knowing that things could easily be derailed. I really don't see why the likes of the Dublin marathon couldn't go ahead in October given the most pessimistic estimates suggest herd immunity by then but I guess again it's a case of they need to start organizing it now.

Murph_D

Arnold54321 wrote: »

Realistic question here when can we expect road running events back in Ireland? I’m talking the likes of Parkruns, Dunshaughlin 10k & Dublin marathon? Or is there more chance of smaller road races down the country with small fields?

Is anyone brave enough to call timeframes? I certainly am not!

This is a running forum. What do you think we’ve been talking about for the past 12 months?

Speaking for myself, I’m too jaded to ask or answer that question anymore. I have my thoughts but keeping them to myself!

Seannew1

Arnold54321 wrote: »

Realistic question here when can we expect road running events back in Ireland? I’m talking the likes of Parkruns, Dunshaughlin 10k & Dublin marathon? Or is there more chance of smaller road races down the country with small fields?

Is anyone brave enough to call timeframes? I certainly am not!

June/July for graded track meets.
August/September for low key smaller events like 5ks.
No Dublin marathon I fear. Too much danger of spectators and also people travelling to the city for race weekend.

I thought that parkruns might get the go ahead soon enough but the more I think about it, they may be the last to come back as you cannot predict how many people will turn up. Thus, given the uncontrolled nature of parkruns, they may not be until well into Autumn.

Arnold54321

Think the Dublin Marathon is out. Massively disappointing as I was going for 5 in a row, nearing 50 Parkruns but doubt I’ll be adding to them till November due to numbers of certain events.

I’ve run myself into the ground training from November - February to little avail. Decided to take a break for March and April as I can’t see events coming back before August. Must be the only person who can’t be bothered with this virtual stuff. Breaking it down by month -

April - obviously out
May - out
June - restrictions will still be in place so doubtful
July - we may be moving to some type of small scale events
August - small scale events for the rest of the year

skyblue46

Arnold54321 wrote: »

Think the Dublin Marathon is out. Massively disappointing as I was going for 5 in a row, nearing 50 Parkruns but doubt I’ll be adding to them till November due to numbers of certain events.

I’ve run myself into the ground training from November - February to little avail. Decided to take a break for March and April as I can’t see events coming back before August. Must be the only person who can’t be bothered with this virtual stuff. Breaking it down by month -

April - obviously out
May - out
June - restrictions will still be in place so doubtful
July - we may be moving to some type of small scale events
August - small scale events for the rest of the year

Only took you 3 hours to find the bravery to call it :pac:

Stark

Arnold54321 wrote: »

Must be the only person who can’t be bothered with this virtual stuff.

You're not the only one, can't be arsed either. At the moment I'm just trying to focus on enjoying the training runs with no particular goal in mind. Only thing I signed for was the IMRA lockdown challenge as they sending out loads of conditioning plans and video drills for a fairly cheap price of 10 euro. Better value than "pay us 20 quid and you can run 5km near your house which you could have done for free" anyway.

Chivito550

Another one here who doesn't have the energy to make predictions anymore, or to particularly care for that matter. All this would just grind ya down to pure apathy.

The outdoor T&F Nationals slated for last weekend of June will need to go ahead. There's huge world ranking bonus points for performances at a National Championships, and if they bin it or postpone until later in the year, it will disadvantage hugely our athletes with genuine aspirations of making Tokyo. I suspect they'll get an allowance for this event to happen in some form. But you can't have a Nationals by just inviting a select few, and you can't have qualifying standards when athletes have been given no opportunity to run such standards. It will have to be a proper nationals if it happens at that time.

RacoonQueen

With current vaccine rollout, I'd be surprised to see Jingle Bells even take place. Of course if we get a big vaccine delivery things could change quite rapidly but the management of it with people being double booked for vaccines and hundreds of no shows then at some centres, can't see much changing any time soon

Can't be arsed with virtual events myself and my running is literally just plodding, no motivation to do much else. Partly because paths are so full also that getting a session done just seems like a bit of a pain but mostly because I just couldn't be ar*ed. Running at least 5 days a week still with some cycling/turbo thrown in so have maintained a base fitness. Really wish I could have found the motivation to improve general strength and mobility over the last year with all the time at home, but alas. :pac:

Stark

RacoonQueen wrote: »

With current vaccine rollout, I'd be surprised to see Jingle Bells even take place. Of course if we get a big vaccine delivery things could change quite rapidly but the management of it with people being double booked for vaccines and hundreds of no shows then at some centres, can't see much changing any time soon

Ah now. A few hundred appointment mishaps is a drop in the ocean compared to the hundreds of thousands of vaccines administered so far. The media loves negativity. Ireland's ahead of the curve compared to other EU countries in terms of getting supplies into arms. And Q2 will be a lot better than Q1 for vaccines and Q3 even better again.

average_runner

RacoonQueen wrote: »

With current vaccine rollout, I'd be surprised to see Jingle Bells even take place. Of course if we get a big vaccine delivery things could change quite rapidly but the management of it with people being double booked for vaccines and hundreds of no shows then at some centres, can't see much changing any time soon

Can't be arsed with virtual events myself and my running is literally just plodding, no motivation to do much else. Partly because paths are so full also that getting a session done just seems like a bit of a pain but mostly because I just couldn't be ar*ed. Running at least 5 days a week still with some cycling/turbo thrown in so have maintained a base fitness. Really wish I could have found the motivation to improve general strength and mobility over the last year with all the time at home, but alas. :pac:

The double bookings shouldn't happen when we switch to the simple hy age system. We be racing by sept I say.

rovers_runner

Well if the HSE wanted to organise a race for their staff they'd be good go.
They have managed to vaccinate their back office staff who were never patient facing and have been working from home since last March.
****ing joke shop of a country.

6run28

All adults to be vaccinated by Sept. im looking forward to running the DCM in October

event

You'll be running it virtually

rovers_runner

Well that's that then..


https://twitter.com/dublinmarathon/status/1378716535628369924?s=20

Stark

Wonder how much that guy would pay me for a "virtual" virtual marathon entry.

rovers_runner

Stark wrote: »

Wonder how much that guy would pay me for a virtual entry.

Wonder will they transfer 2020 entries to 2022.
Will it be be much of a financial hit, would probably cause more bad feeling if they started over with a ballot in 2022.

Don't see them raising much money by running a mickey mouse virtual run again this year.

event

rovers_runner wrote: »

Wonder will they transfer 2020 entries to 2022.

I hope so

ger664

6run28 wrote: »

All adults to be vaccinated by Sept. im looking forward to running the DCM in October

2023

Ceepo

Cork City sports and Morton games gone

ℹ️ BAM Cork City Sports and Morton Games postponed until 2022

After assessing all scenarios available, it has been confirmed that the 2021 editions of the BAM Cork Sports International Athletics Meet and the Morton Games have been postponed until 2022.

The two high profile international track and field meets which were postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic were rescheduled and set to take place on the 6th and 9th of July 2021 respectively. Organisers have taken the difficult decision to again postpone both events due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding current Covid-19 restrictions.

Joe Hartnett, Meeting Director, Cork City Sports commented: “After due consideration of the many issues surrounding COVID-19 we have decided to postpone for another year. It is our hope that 2022 will allow us to bring back International Athletics to Cork”.

Tony O'Connell, Chairman, Cork City Sports added: “We regret having to cancel this year’s meeting. We thank our sponsors and other partners for being patient during these difficult times and look forward to working together again in 2022.”

2021 would have been the 69th edition of the Cork City Sports International Athletics Meet and there is no doubt athletics fans will look forward to it’s return on the back of a tremendously successful event in 2019.

The Morton Games which commenced in 2008 has also become one of the most high-class athletics events in the country and will be undoubtedly leave a hole in this summer’s athletics calendar.

Morton Games Meet Director, Noel Guiden said: " Although we are very disappointed to have to announce the cancellation of Morton Games for the second successive year, really there was no other option as with so many uncertainties it made the hosting of an international meet in 2021 an impossibility. There is no doubt that better times lie ahead and with that in the forefront of our thoughts we look forward to the return of international athletics and the " Santry Roar" at Morton Games in the Summer of '22."

Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams echoed these sentiments and acknowledged the importance of seeing the return of both events in 2022.
He said, “Athletics Ireland have long been supporters of both the Cork City Sports International Meet and the Morton Games, and we were all looking forward to what have become two unmissable dates on the athletics summer calendar. The news will come as a disappointment, but we are in no doubt that both the Bam Cork City Sports International and Morton Games will be back and showcasing our sport at its best 2022”.

The team behind the Bam Cork City Sports International and Morton Games would like to extend their best wishes and thanks to all athletes, coaches, fans, and sponsors for their unwavering support over the the last year.

Morton Games Cork City Sports - International Athletics

Ceepo

6run28 wrote: »

All adults to be vaccinated by Sept. im looking forward to running the DCM in October

If the likes if Cork City Sports and Morton Games with only a had full of athletes in each event are gone for this year, I can't see an event of 22,000 people taking place.

6run28

I think a lot of major marathons are holding both the event and a virtual event along side each other and will continue into the future. They can get extra income this way when event is sold out and push for increased numbers allowed.

Arnold54321

rovers_runner wrote: »

Well that's that then..


https://twitter.com/dublinmarathon/status/1378716535628369924?s=20

Word from an organising committee member is insurance and permission from DCC & AGS are big issues. Added to this some form of restrictions may also still be in place meaning the event is highly unlikely in 2021. The sooner they have an announcement the better.

2022 is much more realistic.

RacoonQueen

There's no way with the marathon, even with a high % of athletes vaccinated - too many unknowns still about the virus and how effective vaccines are with new variants etc for me, I can see Ireland continuing to take a massively cautious approach to everything. Unless they can pull off an event with sub 3 or sub 2:40 athletes only in the Phoenix Park or something, but that probably wouldn't really be worth the work involved.

ultrapercy

RacoonQueen wrote: »

There's no way with the marathon, even with a high % of athletes vaccinated - too many unknowns still about the virus and how effective vaccines are with new variants etc for me, I can see Ireland continuing to take a massively cautious approach to everything. Unless they can pull off an event with sub 3 or sub 2:40 athletes only in the Phoenix Park or something, but that probably wouldn't really be worth the work involved.

I wonder when things return to whatever normal looks like what the effect will have been on peoples attitudes. In the context of racing how will people deal with the likes of dodgy portoloos or how will thousands of disgarded tshirts post warm up be viewed/tolerated. Will spitting be a social taboo leading to arguments etc.? Outside of races what will socialising be like? It's hard to imagine sitting at a bar again, in fact it's hard to imagine local rural pubs in its traditional format returning at all. Maybe we will all revert back to our previous behaviours but I think there may be a hangover or legacy from a year of restricted living.

MayoSalmon

RacoonQueen wrote: »

There's no way with the marathon, even with a high % of athletes vaccinated - too many unknowns still about the virus and how effective vaccines are with new variants etc for me, I can see Ireland continuing to take a massively cautious approach to everything. Unless they can pull off an event with sub 3 or sub 2:40 athletes only in the Phoenix Park or something, but that probably wouldn't really be worth the work involved.

Literally the longest lockdown in the entire world:D:D What a wee little nation we are:pac:

Chivito550

Ceepo wrote: »

If the likes if Cork City Sports and Morton Games with only a had full of athletes in each event are gone for this year, I can't see an event of 22,000 people taking place.

How is it that big outdoor and indoor meets can take place all across the continent, while we can't put on outdoor meets here with no spectators.

Amazing isn't it.

echancrure

RacoonQueen wrote: »

[...]something, but that probably wouldn't really be worth the work involved.

so what's Athletics Ireland up to then: is that not their job?

average_runner

RacoonQueen wrote: »

There's no way with the marathon, even with a high % of athletes vaccinated - too many unknowns still about the virus and how effective vaccines are with new variants etc for me, I can see Ireland continuing to take a massively cautious approach to everything. Unless they can pull off an event with sub 3 or sub 2:40 athletes only in the Phoenix Park or something, but that probably wouldn't really be worth the work involved.

We can't keep living in a shell. Once cases fall due to vaccination they will have to open fully. UK are leading the way and we will follow. Alot of goodwill from the people so far, but it wont last forever. Come sept we be fully open or there be a new government

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

How is it that big outdoor and indoor meets can take place all across the continent, while we can't put on outdoor meets here with no spectators.

Amazing isn't it.

Because we lack leadership.

rovers_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

How is it that big outdoor and indoor meets can take place all across the continent, while we can't put on outdoor meets here with no spectators.

Amazing isn't it.

You have to start with the overall management of the situation across the whole of Irish society.
When you see the Govt basically wash their hands of it and hand it over to NPHET and the Gardai then it drip feeds down to other organisations.

Its a balls alright that people are willing to shrug their shoulders and sit on their hands in this country when they can pass the buck.

Look at Boris as a contrast to that, the UK have plans in train for ages regarding the FA cup and other large events, even the indoor snooker. It then filters down to smaller organisations as to what is possible with good planning.

The GAA I thought would really put up a fight but everybody has a price in Ireland it seems.

MayoSalmon

Keep cancelling events though lads...sure 0.1% is just to high....morons!!

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/outdoor-transmission-accounts-for-0-1-of-state-s-covid-19-cases-1.4529036

Dubh Geannain

average_runner wrote: »

Because we lack leadership.

As well as that. Another post mentioned insurance too. It's been the reason cited by the GAA for people not even bring allowed run around their fields during the lockdown.

The insurance and claims industry has much of the country ruined.

Arnold54321

Dubh Geannain wrote: »

As well as that. Another post mentioned insurance too. It's been the reason cited by the GAA for people not even bring allowed run around their fields during the lockdown.

The insurance and claims industry has much of the country ruined.

Yes insurance AND getting sanction from the various county councils and AGS. This is proving problematic for event organisers. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as saying sure we’ll close these roads and away we go lets run a 10k, half marathon, marathon. Added to the complexity is a mass event with 5,000 plus, getting sanction for this over the next six months while we are in a pandemic will be extremely difficult.

MY BAD

Dubh Geannain wrote: »

As well as that. Another post mentioned insurance too. It's been the reason cited by the GAA for people not even bring allowed run around their fields during the lockdown.

The insurance and claims industry has much of the country ruined.

I never can understand why a community pitch is open but GAA grounds are off limits. Even not in Covid times most GAA clubs won't let you in to jog around their pitch. They always say its because of insurance but this isn't a case for community pitches

Ceepo

Chivito550 wrote: »

How is it that big outdoor and indoor meets can take place all across the continent, while we can't put on outdoor meets here with no spectators.

Amazing isn't it.

Total lack of leadership and a willingness by AI, which doesn't surprise me.

It also amazes me that federations in other countries look for solutions, while ours looks for problems.

Chivito550

Was in Marlay Park today. Tennis courts padlocked shut. 50 metres away is a playground that is open and packed.

Welcome to Ireland.

deisedude

Ceepo wrote: »

Total lack of leadership and a willingness by AI, which doesn't surprise me.

It also amazes me that federations in other countries look for solutions, while ours looks for problems.

Whatever about the Average Joe punter, not having events for elites is a disgrace.

The UK did a great job of the marathon trials. Can't see why the same couldn't have happened here

It's led to Irish athletes having to go to Wrexham to get qualification times

Ceepo

Chivito550 wrote: »

Was in Marlay Park today. Tennis courts padlocked shut. 50 metres away is a playground that is open and packed.

Welcome to Ireland.

This is the type of inconsistent policy that frustrates people.

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

Was in Marlay Park today. Tennis courts padlocked shut. 50 metres away is a playground that is open and packed.

Welcome to Ireland.

Crazy ain't it. Hence we let the kids play on the street with their friends. Some people will frown on that, but kids need normality and the risk is very low

Ceepo

deisedude wrote: »

Whatever about the Average Joe punter, not having events for elites is a disgrace.

The UK did a great job of the marathon trials. Can't see why the same couldn't have happened here

It's led to Irish athletes having to go to Wrexham to get qualification times

Totally agree with you. Average Joe can wait.

And few of the DTC group are heading to Belfast for a race.

6run28

Is it better to have a Dublin marathon where everyone is vaccinated or have thousands of runners travel to UK and around Europe for races as they can't be held here?

6run28

Outdoor transmission accounts for 0.1% of State’s Covid-19 cases. Just 262 cases traced to outdoor activities since pandemic began, official figures reveal.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/outdoor-transmission-accounts-for-0-1-of-state-s-covid-19-cases-1.4529036?mode=amp

And this is before vaccinations, once vaccines rolled out I can't see any legitimate reason not to hold outdoor races.

Treviso

deisedude wrote: »

Whatever about the Average Joe punter, not having events for elites is a disgrace.

The UK did a great job of the marathon trials. Can't see why the same couldn't have happened here

It's led to Irish athletes having to go to Wrexham to get qualification times

And instead of supporting those elites who have to travel to Wrexham for Olympic qualifying times, Cork Athletics just promotes negative talk and hearsay. https://www.corkathletics.org/news/2173-covid-19-level-5-update-march-31st-2021.html Here are two Cork athletes trying their best to achieve their dream, doing unbelievable training and yet get sneered at by this board

They have been super negative since the very first lockdown. This one was a beauty from May 2020 - https://www.corkathletics.org/news/1737-covid-19-serious-training-issues.html

It was bad enough getting abuse from the general public and media, let alone from the body that's meant to support us

deisedude

Treviso wrote: »

And instead of supporting those elites who have to travel to Wrexham for Olympic qualifying times, Cork Athletics just promotes negative talk and hearsay. https://www.corkathletics.org/news/2173-covid-19-level-5-update-march-31st-2021.html Here are two Cork athletes trying their best to achieve their dream, doing unbelievable training and yet get sneered at by this board

They have been super negative since the very first lockdown. This one was a beauty from May 2020 - https://www.corkathletics.org/news/1737-covid-19-serious-training-issues.html

It was bad enough getting abuse from the general public and media, let alone from the body that's meant to support us

I'm a member of a club in Cork so have been following intently and the carry on has been absolutely disgraceful. The stuff being posted is like a tabloid newspaper.

The offending webmaster being rightly called on their sh1t on Facebook

Stark

I remember Cork athletics guy during first lockdown coming up with his own interpretations of the 2km distance limit that basically forbade any sort of meaningful training.

Here we go https://www.corkathletics.org/news/1674-covid-19-and-long-runs-or-long-periods-in-public.html

Tbf "long periods" in public might present a hepatitis risk.

ThebitterLemon

6run28 wrote: »

Outdoor transmission accounts for 0.1% of State’s Covid-19 cases. Just 262 cases traced to outdoor activities since pandemic began, official figures reveal.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/outdoor-transmission-accounts-for-0-1-of-state-s-covid-19-cases-1.4529036?mode=amp

And this is before vaccinations, once vaccines rolled out I can't see any legitimate reason not to hold outdoor races.

Exactly

If these figures are accurate and given a large portion of the vulnerable are partially vaccinated surely there’s no reason why races cannot take place? They could even start by allowing races of up to a couple of hundred initially if they wanted to be cautious

TbL