With over 300 runners expected and even more spectators, this will be an amazing year for the Valley 5000, hosted by Sweetheart City Racing. This run/walk is scheduled to begin in Mehaffey Park on August 20, 2021. We are proud to support House of Neighborly Services, an organization that assists and advocates for people challenged by the effects of poverty or facing a situational crisis.
COVID Information
Start area and times will work as outlined below.
Each participant will register for a time block each hour on the hour and will be limited to the current guideline of 50 participants.
At set times, TBD, we will start the new set of 50 runners. As we get registrants these slots will fill up. We will not open a new time block until the previous one has hit 50 runners.
For start times, we will email all participants a link to sign up for their preferred start time. Once that block is full it will close and no more registrations can be accepted. This email will come out the week prior to the event.
COVID Info
Start Line/Packet Pick Up/Warm Up Area
We have designated a suggested parking lot that is close to the packet pick up area as well as start line. This will enable runners to leave their cars, go directly to the contact-less packet pick up where we will have their bib, t-shirt, and other race swag in bags with their names labeled on the bag.
You will not be able to arrive any earlier than 30 minutes before their starting block. This will be plenty of time for the previous group to be cleared out. Based on history, previous runners/walkers will be out of the start area within 7 minutes of their start time
Volunteers will be there to help them find their bags (wearing face coverings), should they need it (We've done this with previous events and it works really well for everyone).
Once you have your swag, you can warmup and wait for their time block in the area labeled "waiting area for start line"
At 5 Minutes to the designated start time, we will give an announcement to "load the chutes"
On the hour their race will start and runners will be on course
Finish Line Area
As runners cross the finish line they will follow the chutes to the finishers area
This traffic flow has worked really well for us in the past few years getting participants in and out in a hurry
As they enter the area they will be get the food and drink.
We will have a DJ onsite and he will be instructing participants to please depart the pavilion within 15 minutes of getting their finish line items
As they exit they will follow the path back to the parking lot and leave the race area
SCR has taken the appropriate measures to ensure runner safety and wellbeing. We have seen studies that show good exercise, a little sunshine, and some fresh air is good for the spirit.
Cleaning and Sanitization
Reduced racer touch points to minimize physical interaction
Additional cleaning and sanitization of areas, such as toilets, check in area, etc.
Use of sealed water bottles and packaged food
Regular hand sanitizer around the area
Face Masks for Volunteers
Event staff and volunteers will wear face masks where necessary
Social Distancing
Racers are asked to arrive onsite no more than 30 minutes before your start time
No race day registration
Block starts of 50 participants every hour on the hour
Dedicated areas at the start line – markings used for social distancing
Screening process
Each participant will be asked to complete a declaration when arriving that states they are NOT currently infected by COVID 19 and have not had, or knowingly been in contact with, someone experiencing any of the following COVID 19 symptoms in the past 14 days:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Race Day
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION
When you arrive, please find your bib and bag. Volunteers will be there to guide you but will not hand you your bag. Bags will be clearly marked with your name and bib number.
You will take your bib, mask, and nutrition, and then may stash your bag in your car until after you complete your run.
Spectators will be limited
We ask that you wear a face-covering when engaging with volunteers or others. Once you are on course, it's up to you whether you want to keep it on.
Food and beverage will be limited to pre-packaged and limited water.
Water will be available in bottles but please bring your own supply.
There will only be no "aid station" on course
This means it will be your responsibility to be sure you have what you need out there; just like any hard workout you would normally do on your own.
Based on the start time you signed up for from the link, be ready to go no more than 5 minutes prior to your assigned start time . We will have it clearly marked and volunteers to help you get in place.
Timing will be based on CHIP time.
No awards on race day. We will hold a virtual awards ceremony announcing the winners.
We know that the post race party is always fun and a great social time. For this year, we are asking that once you have taken part in the post race recovery, we ask that you depart the ranch within 30 minutes.
At Risk Persons
Anyone who falls under or lives with someone in these categories is encouraged not to participate in SCR events at this time, the choice is yours to make:
People over 65 years of age
People who have chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, or severe heart disease;
People who are immunocompromised: those who have undergone or are undergoing cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation; anyone with immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, or had prolonged use of corticosteroids; and smokers;
People of any age with class III or severe obesity; or
Anyone diagnosed with the following underlying conditions: diabetes, liver disease, and persons with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
If you are choosing to attend, we assume you are agreeing to these protocols and will adhere to them exactly as we have described in this communication.