Registrations delayed for iconic City Bay fun run because of COVID-19
The City-Bay Fun Run has delayed registrations because of COVID-19, but organisers – who are considering PPE, staggered starts and a limit on runners – remain hopeful for 2020.
SA News
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The registration launch for the annual Westpac City-Bay Fun Run has been delayed – for the first time in the event’s history – because of COVID-19 health advice.
It was announced in May the entire event was rescheduled for November 8 from its usual run date in September because of concerns about the virus.
Race director Joe Stevens said only the Sydney Olympics in 2000 had previously affected the event’s timing, postponing it for a month.
He said he was having regular meetings and conversations with SA Health to ensure its planning aligns with health advice but registrations for the event would be delayed because of the uncertainty of a possible second coronavirus wave.
“We’d like the event to go ahead but at the moment we are still planning, and working closely with SA Health to make sure it’s delivered in a way that aligns with public health recommendations,” Mr Stevens said.
The City-Bay Fun Run was established in 1973 by Bob Clarke, with the Sunday Mail being one of its first sponsors.
The event has never been cancelled in all of its 47-year history.
Plans would see PPE gear worn by all staff at the event, staggered electronic start times to maintain social distancing, capped numbers of registrations and a host of other preventive measures.
Mr Stevens said organisers were remaining optimistic about the likelihood of the beloved event pushing ahead.
“We’re an iconic flagship event for not just South Australia but the country,’’ Mr Stevens said
“At this stage, we are encouraging South Australians planning on registering for the City-Bay Fun Run to continue training, and hopefully the event will push forward in November as planned.”