COVID-19 & WRM

The 2020 White River Marathon (Marathon, Half, and 5K) for Kenya race will be run in Cotter, Arkansas on November 21, 2020 as planned, barring any extreme and legal restrictions as related to COVID-19. As of November  16, 2020, the race is going forward as planned. Below are the modifications that are being made to race weekend given our current COVID-19 climate.

Note that the race will be run on our beautiful and flat course and will not be converted into a virtual race at any point.  WRM staff have made modifications to the extra activities as related to race weekend. If COVID-19 turns life upside down to where extreme or legal restrictions prevent the race from happening, we’re prepared to give all those pre-registered 80% off the 2021 WRM. This is a fund raiser for a 501C3 and no refunds will be given for 2020.

Note: While a plan is in place and modifications have been made, we cannot police every athlete, volunteer or spectator at all times. It is up to all individuals to adhere to distancing rules. If you feel that you have a compromised immune system or are nervous that others are not taking all precautions, we ask that you do not attend WRM 2020. 

Pre-Race Pasta Dinner 

WRM has cancelled the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. It is not socially responsible for us to put 250 people in one room at once.

• WRM is working out the final details to so that everyone can enjoy a top-notch dinner at local favorite, Foodie’s! Foodies has an awesome menu from top to bottom! We’re figuring menu options and discounts for runners and friends/family, but everyone will have deliciousness available for dinner pre-race!

Pre-Race Packet Pickup: 

We would like to space everyone out and avoid congestion when and where possible. Packet pickup will be available the whole week prior to race day. We ask that local runners pickup Monday, November 16 through Thursday, November 19, leaving Friday for our out of town guests.

• Local runners, we ask you to pick up packets the week of Nov. 16-20 at Fit.1 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. We would like to space everyone out, we ask that local runners please come in Monday, November 16 through Thursday, November 19.
• Out of town runners can pick up packets as well, understandably the day before the race, Friday, November 20 at Fit.1. Fit.1 will stay open until 8:00 pm on Friday the 20th to accommodate athletes.
• Everyone can head over to Foodies for dinner!
• Fit.1 on Google Maps HERE
• Foodie's on Google Maps HERE

Race Morning: Packet pickup will still be held race morning

• Instead of congregating in the Cotter School Cafeteria, we will have a “grab-n-go” style packet pickup. This means you will enter through the south set of doors, pick up your packet and then proceed to exit through the north set of doors. Runners will be single file, six feet apart, and asked to have their temperature taken as well as sign a COVID questionnaire. 
• Race Start: We will have a wave start, starting at 7:00 am and releasing a new wave every 2 minutes. Current guidelines & restrictions may dictate what this process ultimately looks like. 

On Course: It is still a race, of course:. 

• You’re supposed to stay 12 feet apart from other runners unless you’re passing them.
• Aid stations: Volunteers are not required to hand out cups.  Items will be placed on tables for runners to pick up at will.  This is an effort to keep volunteers away from the runners.  
• Any runner is welcome to run with a hand-held or bladder pack.

At the Finish: Pretty close to what you’re used to seeing at WRM.

• Finish Line: All runners will receive their awesome finsher’s medal! We will have beverages and light snacks at the finish line as well as a medical tent.
• Runners and spectators will be directed to the open field alongside the finish area to spread out and wait for friends and family. 
• Transportation back to the school will be the same manner as year’s past, shuttle vans, however since we cannot distance ourselves inside of vans, all those being transported back will be required to wear a face mask. We will have disposable masks available for all passengers, of course you are welcome to wear your own. Side note: when done with your mask, please dispose of it in a trash can!

Post-Race at the School: The renowned post-race meal will look different this year.

• We are working on post-race food for runners that may be a sack lunch-style grab-n-go food.  Will it be as awesome as past years?...Not at all. We’re doing out best though. 
• After runners grab their grub, they will be directed to one of three areas to sit and eat.  1) Distanced inside the cafeteria 2) Distanced in the auxiliary gym just near the cafeteria 3) outdoor seating in the courtyard.  We're working on maps.
• Awards will be handed out to overall and division winners as soon as results are available.
• We will not hold results for an awards ceremony, we will distribute as results come in. 
• Showers: While runners have been accustomed to having showers available post-race, this amenity will NOT be available this year.