Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 and to the healthcare workers who are at the front line of the fight against the virus.
Many of you will have been affected in your personal life or as runners. Just like you, we are passionate about running, travelling and events. It saddens us to see how the crisis has taken such a toll on the events and on the tourism industry worldwide in just a few weeks. We feel for anyone who has spent time and effort preparing for an event which has now been cancelled, as well as for the organizers who put in so much work to put these events on.
Hundreds of events have already been cancelled or postponed and many more will be affected. The wellbeing and safety of the public must be a priority and no unnecessary risks should be taken. With this in mind we have answered the most frequently asked questions below:
Q1: How to get information on the status of an event I have planned to attend and if it will be postponed or cancelled?
Answer: Please refer to information shared by the event organiser in their official communication channels (website, Facebook page, twitter, etc.). Those channels always have the latest facts. If the information shared by the organiser is not clear please get in touch with the event’s support team.
We are constantly working hard to keep our platform updated with new information on cancelled, postponed and rescheduled event dates. You can now check the latest status on all the affected events listed on the platform on this page.
Q2: Is it safe to attend a race these days?
Answer: In general every unnecessary contact with others should be avoided. Not only to protect yourself but also the most vulnerable people around you. If you show any symptoms you should not attend any events and you should not travel.
If you still want to attend an event, please make sure you are in good health. Be aware that you may have to undergo thermal testing at the airport or hotel and could be subject to quarantine if you present symptoms of infection.
Q3: I want to register for an event later this year. Is it safe?
Answer: Before booking an event, please consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or your national health agency for information about the current situation in the region and if there are any travel restrictions in place. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the refund policy of the event in question. Follow the advice about protective measures against the coronavirus outlined by the WHO and the government or local authority where you are.
Q4: My event was cancelled. What should I do?
Answer: You should follow the guidelines provided by the event organizer and refer to information shared in their official communication channels (website, social media etc.). The measures taken differ depending on local guidance so it’s important to seek the latest information using the official channels. World’s Marathons is a marketplace and we are obliged by a contract with the organiser to follow the official guidelines provided by the event.
Most race organizations are small businesses that are getting a big financial hit besides the fact that they have to re-organize a mega event with many parties involved in a very short amount of time. Please keep in mind that this is an extraordinary situation and we trust in each organizer that they will do everything they can to provide you with a fair solution and unique experience in the future. Please be patient and respectful to each other.
Q5: I cannot go running outside. How should I keep training for the future event?
Answer: There are many trainings that you can do at home. Now can be the perfect timing for straightening your core muscles! This improves your running posture and can help prevent injuries. Use this time to look up some train tutorials and try them out. Here is an awesome video from The Running Channel!
You can also check...
- Best Leg Strengthening Exercises for Runners that Can be Done at Home
- Top 5 Yoga Poses for Runners
Just like you, we love running. We hope that soon everyone will be able to participate in mass running events.
