Our COVID-19 Promise

We – The O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Inc Committee – are optimistic that our O’Keefe Challenge event scheduled for 29 April and 1 May 2022 can take place. However, in the event that we are unable to hold our event due to COVID-19, we wanted to let you know what will happen next.

What would trigger a cancellation or postponement?

Government rules may prevent public events to be held and/or considerable community concerns about participating in a mass fun run event.

When would we make a decision?

On 31 March 2022, we will make a decision if our 29 April and 1 May 2022 date looks to be at risk and/or if our plans for a safe and successful event would be compromised.

After this date, there may be further changes due to COVID in our community and we would continue to discuss and consider these on a weekly basis.

What would happen to registration fees?

If the event is to be postponed, we will inform all and registered participants will have the choice of two options:

  • OPTION A: Enjoy FREE transfer to the next alternatively scheduled event.

or

  • OPTION B: Receive a full refund of their registration fees, minus a $10 administration fee.

We know you are keen to see this event go ahead, so that is why we are comfortable and confident providing a clear plan to enable you and others can make decisions with confidence.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for the O’Keefe Challenge

Victorian State Government regulations currently DO NOT require athletes, volunteers or event staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Events also no longer require QR Check-ins.

For more information, please contact us.

 

COVID Safe Plan

All athletes, spectators, volunteers and officials at Barrack Reserve and our start line areas MUST adhere to the following six steps: 

STEP 1: Do Not Attend If You Have Symptoms

Athletes must not attend if they are showing any symptoms that could potentially be COVID-19.

The symptoms to watch out for are:

  • loss or change in sense of smell or taste
  • fever
  • chills or sweats
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • runny nose

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested immediately.

To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 or see your general practitioner.

STEP 2: Maintain a safe distance

Athletes, volunteers, officials and spectators are must maintain 1.5 metres from other people at all times, especially around the start and finish lines. We encourage spectators to view the race from along the courses where it is less congested.

STEP 3: Sanitise

There will be hand sanitisation units throughout the Barrack Reserve and our start line areas for use by participants, spectators, volunteers and officials.

STEP 4: Wave Starts

  • Each race may have ‘start waves’ of between 50 – 100 athletes at approximately 15 – 30 second intervals.
  • These will be self-seeding (ie/ faster runners in the earlier waves, slower runners in the later waves)
  • This will depend on the overall participation numbers and COVIDSafe guidelines of the day.
  • This will reduce the number of people congregating at the starting zone at any one time.
  • Each event has a start line timing loop, so all athletes will receive a race time based on the time they crossed the start line, not from the ‘gun’.

STEP 5: Aid Stations

  • Athletes must take cups of water from the tables themselves – they will not be handed to them.
  • Athletes must NOT handle food directly– you must ask a volunteer to hand over your desired items.
  • Food items will be limited to whole fruit, lollies and muesli bars.

Step 6: Right to Refuse

Event officials have the right to refuse entry into Barrack Reserve and our start line areas; and the right to remove any participants, spectators, volunteers or officials from Barrack Reserve and our start line areas if they are displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

The bottom line: Nobody likes COVID-19 restrictions, BUT if we all do the right things and follow these six steps, we can all nail this and still have a great event!