Updated April 2022

Lactic Turkey Events now operate using the new COVID-19 Protection framework (Traffic Light System).

Our events can take place in Traffic Light Orange and Green under reasonable normal (now days) conditions with the new normal hygiene practices.

Below is our COVID-19 Policy for use during Traffic Light Orange and Green. For more information on “Life at Orange” as as April 2022 refer here

Under Traffic Light Red we would need to assess the situation and specific event and make decisions based on that.

The majority of this document is for use during Traffic Light Orange and Green. There is a section near the end that outlines some additional measures that may be implemented if an event takes place in Traffic Light Red.

This is a highly dynamic situation and we will continue to adapt and adjust as appropriate.

Purpose:

Our mission has always been to get people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities into the outdoors having fun.

With the appearance of COVID-19 we also understand the importance of public health recommendations for gatherings, hygiene and physical distancing so want to ensure we can deliver events to the same high standard while meeting these expectations.

It is also important to us that we be as transparent as possible as to the risks to participant health and the process in case of further event cancellations.

This policy provides for the care of and allows flexibility for participants, staff and volunteers at Lactic Turkey Events. It meets the need to put safety first of all, while providing events that our participants have always loved and are desperate to return to.

Guiding References:

Lactic Turkey Events Mission Statement

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Government guidance regarding COVID-19 Protection framework (traffic light system)

Individual Responsibility:

Throughout New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 we have been asked to Unite against COVID and together individually we have all taken the steps to enable us to move down the Alert Levels and gain more freedom and flexibility in what we do. We want to stress that this individual responsibility remains and is called for at all events. It is important that you make decisions and take actions yourself that mean together as a group we can continue to enjoy these freedoms.

Individual responsibility factors to consider at all stages throughout the event process from entry, preparation, participation, finishing and afterwards include:

If you or someone you are in close contact with have symptoms of cold or flu, are unwell or who are waiting on test results for COVID-19 you must stay away
If anyone (or if anyone close to you) has been overseas or in self isolation within the last two weeks prior to the event you must stay away
If you are an at-risk person or you live with or have regular contact with an at-risk person(s) then you must stay away
Participants, whether they are event crew, volunteers, runners or support crew, must practice social distancing
Face masks are highly recommended within closed, indoor spaces at all times during the event apart from when actually running.
Participants, whether they are event crew, volunteers, runners or support crew, must take extra care with hygiene. Regularly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash your hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. coughing into elbow and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Participants must use a handkerchief or similar or step 3 metres or more off the track when needing to spit, blow snot or expel other bodily fluids during the race
While out on the course, participants must be aware of social distancing between themselves and other participants. This includes making space for others to overtake by moving off the track and overtaking others in a respectful way, not charging past as in non-COVID times. Common courtesy is the best practice here
We recommend that runners consider that their immune system may be compromised after the event due to prolonged or intensive activity and should take appropriate precaution
If a participant becomes unwell within the two weeks after an event we ask they notify us as soon as possible

Contact Tracing

In the Orange level of the COVID Framework no contract tracing is required.

Possible additional measures under Traffic Light Red

As mentioned above, we can operate events during Traffic Light Orange and Green. Under Traffic Light Red we would need to assess the situation and specific event and make decisions based on that.

Saying that, below are some additional measures (to the above) that we’d likely put in place if an event did go ahead in Traffic Light Red.

Limit of 100 people (including event staff) and therefore the possibility of start waves, with grouping of participants throughout the pre-start and post finishing processes
No supporters/support crew allowed on site
Self support with regard to food and liquids
Mandatory mask wearing at all times apart from when running
No mass pre-race briefing
No mass prizegiving – this would be done as people cross the line and post event online.

Refunds for event cancellations due to COVID-19 in the future:

Events cancelled greater than three weeks before an event due to COVID-19 related circumstances – participants will receive an 80% refund less a $10 administration fee.
Events cancelled between 21 and 10 days before an event due to COVID-19 related circumstances – participants can receive a credit for another Lactic Turkey event of equal or lesser value or can be refunded 50%.
Events cancelled within 10 days of an event due to COVID-19 related circumstances – no refunds will be given. A credit valued at 50% of the entry fee can be put towards another Lactic Turkey Events event.