For running enthusiasts, running a marathon can be the pinnacle of success after years (or a lifetime) of training. At just over twenty-six miles, marathons like the New York City Marathon attract runners from all over the world. Yet, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, several events are reshaping their approach to traditional rules and regulations, hoping to protect participants and onlookers against the potential for illness and death.Because the New York City Marathon was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s race will officially be the 50th race in the organization’s history. There is quite a bit of change happening on the marathon’s semicentennial anniversary, including potential regulations concerning masks and vaccines, the number of people participating, and various implementations of social distancing.
Masks And Vaccinations
It is certainly not ideal to have to wear a mask while running. Running a marathon is already hard without restricting breathing!
As of now, officials are planning to follow guidelines issued by the state and the city. Unfortunately, wearing a mask might be required in some shape or another, depending on how the pandemic shakes out during the coming months.
In July, the New York Road Runners allowed runners who have received the vaccine to participate in various outdoor events without wearing a mask. However, unvaccinated people had to wear masks during these smaller races and events due to the guidelines issued by New York City, New York State, and the CDC.
No Lottery System
In a departure from previous years, this year, the New York City Marathon will not be using the lottery system. In the past, hopeful participants could enter their information, and the organization would draw names and grant them access to the marathon.
The general assumption is that officials want to provide priority access to those who missed out on last year’s canceled race and also help reduce the number of runners participating.
Smaller Field & Fewer Runners
Perhaps the most dramatic change to this year’s marathon is the number of participants. To avoid overcrowding, the field’s size will be smaller. The largest marathon in the entire world, this year will only feature 33,000 runners instead of the usual 55,000. Fortunately, the runners who registered for the canceled 2020 race will have top priority in the 2021 race.
There’s no word yet on whether the runners will face any restrictions as they run, but the reduction in the field’s size will minimize the number of people taking the buses and ferries to the start line. This ensures more space for social distancing.
For those who want to rester last minute, there are still some spots open to run for charity. A few organizations will guarantee entry!
The Race Itself Will Change
While not a new idea (smaller races have been doing this for a while since the pandemic started), officials want people to start the race in a staggered formation. Runners will take off two or three at a time. By starting the race this way, with participants spaced out by two or three seconds, will make the marathon’s beginning last several hours.
Officials also have stated that they are re-evaluating stations for aid along the course. These aid stations usually pop up every mile or so, extending water or snacks to the runners. They are also re-thinking the baggage system, which runners utilized to drop off and pick up their bags before and after the race. This year, runners can drop off their bags but will not be allowed to take their bags with them to the start of the marathon.
One thing is for certain- first aid will continue to be available at each mile.
Flexibility In The Face Of Changing Health And Safety Rules
It should be noted that all of these adjustments to the New York City Marathon are subject to change. As the pandemic ebbs and flows, and rules and regulations regarding the public’s safety continue adapting, the marathon might pull back on its changes.
Depending on the pandemic’s severity in the next couple of months, the marathon might be called off entirely. Hopefully, this does not happen, but as people have seen throughout the last year and a half, the deadly COVID-19 pandemic can move in pretty unpredictable ways.
The race will take place on November 7, 2021, at 8:00 AM. Anyone interested in participating, or those who have already reserved their spots ahead of time, should periodically check the New York Road Runners website for the most up-to-date information concerning pandemic protocols.
In conclusion, it seems like most events across the world are having to make changes to the way things are done in order to protect everyone from COVID-19. The New York City Marathon is no exception, implementing various changes to the race like reducing the number of participants and staggering the race’s starting line.
Hopefully, as the holiday seasons approach, the COVID-19 pandemic will reach more manageable levels. It would be a shame to see this exciting and much-anticipated event be canceled again in 2021, but here’s hoping the efforts of everyone worldwide will continue to battle this virus until it is gone.