Antrim Coast Half Marathon: Race team responds to traders' concerns over Covid-19

Postponed earlier in the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the popular athletic event is now set to take place in the town on September 12 .

However, the decision has caused concern for some local businesses, with fears that a large gathering could cause a 'spike' in cases of Covid-19 in the region.

It comes as Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, confirmed this week that two council areas – Antrim & Newtownabbey and Mid & East Antrim – were particularly affected by surges.

Allan Dorman, chairman of Larne Traders' Forum, said: "There is a concern not only among the traders, but with the public as well that this event is going ahead at the present time; it's a lot of people to bring together.

"Some businesses have only just managed to get started up again; they're worried that if there was another lockdown, would they be able to reopen at all?"

Debi Salters, of Revival Hair on Larne's Main Street, said: "I've run [the half marathon] myself three times and normally I love it, but not this year with the way things are.

"If there's a spike and we had to close again, I don't know what we'd do. Already we're losing business because of having to space people out due to social distancing."

However, race organisers were keen to emphasise that the event will be run in accordance with a Covid-19 Hygiene Policy. "This policy goes above and beyond the recommendations outlined by Run Britain and Athletics NI," said Ruth Moore, Assistant Race Director.

"Anyone attending the event will have temperature checks before being admitted into the race area. Anyone attending from what is identified as a Covid hotspot (incurring local lockdown restrictions) will require a negative Covid test prior to attending. This applies to all participants; elite or masses.

"Everyone attending the event will be identifiable, contactable and traceable if required. We are asking all attending to monitor themselves for signs of Covid-19 and to stay away from the event if they display symptoms. Everyone must take responsibility for themselves. It is in no one’s interest for anyone with Covid-19 to attend this event.

"Should additional hygiene measures be recommended by Run Britain or Athletics NI, then these will be implemented.

"Organisers have recognised the concerns of the traders. In response, the entire event has been moved outdoors, with the much earlier start time of 8am to minimise disruption and to ensure that the race has moved out of the town area by 0930 at latest on race day."

The half marathon is happening against a backdrop of other similar events across the UK, Ruth added: "It is worth noting that in September currently, there are 21 half marathons in England ranging from 1000-4000 participants. This number excludes other running events of 5K, 10K and marathon. For example, Kew Gardens is hosting a 10K event over 2 days with 8,000 runners on the very same weekend as the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.

"Our event however has had the strongest promotion and has by far the best field of international athletes participating. This should not be viewed as a bad thing or as presenting an increased hygiene risk, but rather as a huge positive showcasing the event and the local area.

"[The race] is being held with the sole objective of doing something good for Larne; it is a vehicle for good. It has already attracted six figure investment into the local area, with the event using local traders where possible. It should also be noted that the event has supported many traders during the pandemic; having paid for services in advance, or moving services to next year and not requesting a refund in the interim period.

"Due to the success of the promotion, demand for the event was forecast well in excess of participants entered. We made the decision to close the entry early to limit numbers. This decision was supported by Run Britain (official arbiter for road running), who we have been in regular contact with.

"The event has done everything within its power to support the local traders and allay any fears within the local community, but it is impossible to wholly safeguard against every individual’s perception of risk. When you consider the limited risk of contracting Covid-19 outdoors together with the huge economic impact, showcasing the area and promoting health and sport, in line with government objectives, we feel the positives of holding the Antrim Coast Half Marathon far outweigh the negatives."

Beginning in waves of 30 starting by time zones, the half marathon will have no spectator zones on the course. "Anyone wishing to watch the race would be actively encouraged to follow the live stream via one of the race's social channels or website," organisers added.

The race is due to begin at Chaine Memorial Tower, following a route through Larne town centre.

Road closures and traffic management for the event will be facilitated by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

“In accordance with the recovery framework issued by the NI Executive, outdoor sporting activities are now permitted; the organisers of next month’s Antrim Coast Half Marathon have put stringent health and safety measures in place which are in line with both Run Britain and Athletics Northern Ireland’s event guidance," the local authority said.

"The additional measures include:

- Entry being capped at 50 percent of the planned capacity;

- The course has been changed to allow for wider roads and social distancing.

- Runners will start in pre-allocated time slots.

“At present, Council is working with the organisers and our statutory partners in connection with the revised plans. Should new information be released from the NI Executive relating to specific activities or restrictions Council will take account of this right up to the start of the event.

“Larne Leisure Centre will not be open. The organisers will however be using Larne Leisure Centre car park, as they have done in previous years. The car park is open space and social distancing will be applied.”

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you