COVID-19 has claimed another event, with organisers of Tasmania’s most popular fun run forced to pull plug
It has been a staple on Tasmania’s events calendar for nearly three decades, but November’s Point to Pinnacle has joined the list of cancellations amid the COVID-19 crisis. Hear what the devastated organisers had to say >>
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- An Olympian and a local conquer the 2019 edition of P2P
- Why Carrie Bickmore is running Point to Pinnacle
One of Tasmania’s largest fun runs has been forced to cancel its 2020 event — the first time in 26 years it will not take place.
The iconic Point to Pinnacle has been a staple on the state’s calendar for nearly three decades but due to the uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic organisers have been forced the shelve the trek from Wrest Point Casino to the top of Mt Wellington.
Just three days before entries were due to open, event director Tim Smith said he was left with little choice.
Last year’s race course was also changed because of ice and snow on top of Mt Wellington.
The Point to Pinnacle attracts hundreds of interstate and international entrants, but their participation this year with current and constantly changing travel restrictions make it extremely unlikely they would be able to enter.
A Tasmanian-only event was considered, but with restrictions still in place on mass gatherings it made it too difficult to forge ahead.
“Currently we are faced with a mass gathering limit of 500 people and social distancing rules of 1.5m, last year’s event gathered over 4500 entries (plus over 400 officials and volunteers) and the nature of our course makes social distancing extremely difficult,” Smith said.
Smith and race director Kim Gillard explored alternate courses and staggered starts in an attempt to keep the event, but any changes would have significantly impacted on residents and traffic flow across Greater Hobart, with longer road closures required.
Gillard also said a COVID-19 management plan would be extremely difficult to comply with in the event of adverse weather and the space restrictions on top of the mountain.
“It is extremely disappointing that we have been forced into this situation, but we are no different to all other major events that have been affected by this pandemic,” Gillard said.
“We have 3000 people finishing on top of a mountain that is parked out with 65 buses and we are unable to effectively move finishers on quickly like other events.
“Our space is very limited on the mountain and cuing for buses with appropriate social distancing is unachievable.
“If we were faced with changing, potentially freezing weather, our concern would be managing the effective exit of everyone from the mountain while also complying with a COVID-19 management plan.”
Smith and Gillard said they will work on a unique physical challenge that could fill the void
in November, along with opportunities to continue fundraising for charity.
How new Claremont coach is preparing to turn fortunes around
Claremont endured a rough 2024, with an average losing margin of 196, but is confident of big improvement this season. New coach Nathan Senior gives an insight into his plans.
How every Tassie AFL player’s contract shapes ahead of 2028
The Devils’ boss has earmarked player recruitment as an early priority. But which homegrown talents will be available and should be key targets? We break down every Tasmanian AFL players’ contract status.