For most of us COVID scratched the 2020 race season. There were a few early races that went off, as well as a handful later in the year in states that opened up or never closed (Way to go Bear 100!). But many of us haven’t raced since 2019 and are itching to get something on the calendar. Planning to race in 2021 is going to be different than past years.
Trails over Marathons
I am skeptical that many big city road races will be held in 2021. The number of runners and spectators and the density in corrals, aid stations, and finishing areas, plus the political situation in large cities, make these races unlikely. If you really want to road race, targeting the smaller races in rural areas may be the best strategy.
It is unclear whether the big bucket list races (Boston, NYC, Chicago, London) will be back to normal in 2021 or even 2022. Do I want to put in the effort to try and qualify for one of these only to have them turn into “virtual” events? No, running 26 miles around my neighborhood is not the Boston Marathon. For now, I am waiting until there is greater certainty before planning on road racing.
COVID issues can be easier dealt with in trail ultramarathons due to the smaller fields, greater spacing, and the fact that trail races generally take place in rural areas with more flexible regulations. There is a good chance that many trail ultramarathons go forward in 2021.
Sign Up Soon
Most of the races that were cancelled in 2020 gave runners the option of rolling entry to 2021. That means that many races are already more full than normal. Waiting until the last minute to register, or even until early 2021, may not be an option.
Consider Early Races
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that things are unpredictable. We simply don’t know what things will look like next summer. Perhaps we will be in a lockdown. Races that are on for early 2021 may be a better bet.
Think Local
I love flying to interesting places to race. But, as we have seen, travel restrictions may be prevent us from even getting to a race location. If there is a race that seems fun within driving distance, consider signing up.
Ultramarathon Lottery Considerations
Western States, Hardrock, and UTMB were all cancelled. These races all allowed runners who were set to run in 2020 to roll over to 2021, or in the case of UTMB to 2021, 2022, or 2023. Hardrock changed its qualifying race window to allow races in 2019 to count for the 2022 lottery. Based on the backlog, I expect that the odds for each of these races, which were already poor, to get worse. I also expect that the demand for entering qualifiers will be up this year.
COVID Racing Strategies
I am not terrified of COVID but I don’t want to get it either. While I have not made any decisions, I suspect that my approach to racing will be more self-supported then in the past. I may carry most or all of my food and more water than normal to limit or eliminate aid station stops. Who knows, maybe this will make me faster. One positive side effect of COVID may be the reduction or elimination lots of crews crowding aid stations to pamper runners. With less support in aid stations and from crews, runners will may have to be mentally stronger than in past years. Harder is better.
What am I doing?
I am registered for the Castle Peak 100k in Lake Tahoe in August. My entry was rolled over after the race was cancelled this year. It looks like a fun, challenging event and is a Western States qualifier and UTMB 4 pointer. This is my main race.
However, I think there is a non-trivial chance that Castle Peak 100k gets cancelled again. This is because it’s in California, the state that seems to be most prone to shutting things down. This is also because its in the mountains in August and there is always risk of cancellation due to fire and smoke. I don’t want to be in a situation where my only race is cancelled.
So I also signed up for the Bandera 100k. I don’t really have a lot of love lost for the Bandera course, which was my first ultramarathon. I am looking at this as an option to exact some revenge for the 19 hour and 46 minute beating it put on me in 2015. But, more practically, its a Western States qualifier (17 hour limit), is close to Austin and is likely to go off in January. Now I just have to get in shape.
Vamonos Baby! 