Person responsible: Lizzy Hawker
Objective
To safeguard the health of the participants of Ultra Tour Monte Rosa as well as our volunteers and host communities. We follow the federal guidelines for sporting events, as summarised by the association Swiss Running (by Swiss Runners & Swiss Athletics).
We are a small event of < 1000 participants, but as per cantonal regulations we require the Swiss or EU Covid Certification.
Covid Certification and contact details
For participation in the event all runners, volunteers, supporters (not spectators), staff and sponsors must present a valid Swiss Covid Certificate or EU Covid Certificate.
Anyone without a valid certificate must present a negative result from a PCR test (not more than 72 hours before the start of their race / period of duty) or an antigen test (not more than 48 hours before the start of their race / period of duty). This must be in the form of a Swiss or EU Covid Certificate. An SMS or other confirmation will not be accepted.
Each person’s Covid certification and ID will be checked in Grächen prior to registration or starting duty. On verification a wristband will be given to each person, this must be worn throughout the event and will allow entry to registration, checkpoints and start / finish areas. For volunteers arriving directly to a checkpoint the checkpoint coordinator will manage the Covid Certificate Check.
A test facility will be provided on site in Grächen by Salomin Labo for those unable to obtain a test elsewhere.
Contact lists of runners, volunteers, supporters, staff and sponsors are to be maintained with name, last name, email address, phone number.
Facilities
Clear signage to indicate registration and other facilities. Additional signage reminding runners of the hygiene protocols in place.
No showers or changing facilities will be provided. Runners will be advised to arrive at the start in running clothes.
Baggage deposit will be available in the Pfaarsaal. Runners may enter to deposit or collect their bag wearing a mask.
Toilets – only the outside toilets by the Pfaarsaal to be open for use. Outside doors are to remain open. A table to be placed at the entrance with hand sanitizer and hand towels. Clear instruction signs.
Bib number collection
Masks to be worn within the registration area.
No supporters are permitted entry to the registration area.
Start
Obligatory for all runners to wear a mask once in the start area. The mask can be removed once the runner passes under the On archway.
A starting area will be marked out using barriers. Volunteers will manage the flow of runners into the start area.
All races are < 300 participants so can start in one wave.
Checkpoints
Masks must be worn within the checkpoint zones. They can be pulled aside while eating, but must be replaced.
Hand sanitizer at start of checkpoint area.
Runners may fill bottles from the water dispensers, and serve themselves to bananas and individually wrapped items. Volunteers will serve any “open” food items.
Littering will result in penalty/disqualification.
Supporters will be permitted entry to a checkpoint area only when their runner is present, and they must show a valid wristband (as confirmation of Covid check in Grächen).
Medical
Salamin Labo will provide a testing facility during specified hours during each registration period.
Eventmed to provide medical cover at the finish line in Grächen.
Samariter from the Oberwalliser Samariterverband will provide medical cover at each checkpoint.
Security
Route to be marked out with fluorescent flagging, this will be reflective as required for night sections.
GPS trackers will be given to all runners in the 170 km, 100 km, Stage Race and 58 km events and monitored from Race HQ in Grächen.
Chip timing to confirm the return of all Berglauf runners to Grächen.
Last runners of each race section to be followed by two ‘sweepers’.
Race routes and timings will be submitted to the Kantonale Walliser Rettungsorganisation in Sierre.
Finish
Runners must wear a mask from the On archway at the start until exit of the finish area.
Finish area will be marked out and closed off using barriers.
No supporters are allowed entry to the finish area.
Runners will collect finisher’s bag (medal / sandwich / UTMR bandana / finisher’s gift). Runners will collect a choice of 500ml water / schole / 33cl beer plus hot soup.
Runners will pass directly out of the finish area. Volunteers to manage flow of runners through, ensuring quick exit.
No hugging / handshaking.
Post finish
Runners can collect their bag from the Pfaarsaal on presentation of their bib number.
Cafes & restaurants open in the Dorfplatz for post race refreshments.
No seating near the finish area to discourage gathering.
MC (speaker) to encourage dispersal.
On photo booth to be placed well away from the exit to the finish area, with floor tape to mark out waiting spots.
Stage Race
Starts for the four-day Stage Race in Zermatt, Visperterminen and Saas Fee to follow the same procedure as Grächen start (above).
Finish lines for the Stage Race in Zermatt and Saas Fee to follow the same procedure as Grächen finish.
The Stage Race is not a “closed” event, with runners accommodated in different hotels with non-race guests. Therefore as an additional measure runners will be required to take a self test (provided by the race organisation) before entering the start area on Days 2, 3 and 4.
Supporters
Supporters accompanying the Stage Race (accommodated with their runner) or providing assistance at checkpoints must also present themselves for the Covid Check in Grächen.
Entry to checkpoints will only be permitted while their runner is present and on presentation of the wrist band.
No supporters are allowed in the Registration / Start / Finish zones.
Prizegiving
There will be a small podium for the overall male / female runners only, at a specified time after each race.
Masks must be worn by winners and presenters.
Any category prize winners to be notified by sms to collect prize from finish line
No gathering for speeches etc.
No closing ceremony.