B&A Marathon, Half Marathon and Volunteers:
The rapid and unprecedented reaction to the spreading of the Covid-19 virus has affected everyone. School and college closures, NBA, NCAA, NHL, MLS, dozens of other races, big and small, are cancelling or postponing events.
Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Health made the correct decision to disallow our event. Today, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education issued a statement indicating that no outside groups will be permitted use in indoor public school facilities.
Our race starts and ends in a public high school and requires the coordination and participation of dozens of County police officers and medical personnel, hundreds of well-meaning volunteers, and is attended by 1,100+ runners from over 30 different states.
In that context, it is easy to understand and agree with the Department of Health and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education decisions.
In order to advise the participants as soon as possible, including those travelling from out-of-town, the Annapolis Striders sent a brief message, within 10 minutes of being notified, cancelling the race as directed by the authorities.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit club of runners, hosting races for runners. We do it because it makes better communities and citizens, and because we enjoy the fellowship and sense of achievement the events create.
We start our preparations for the B&A months in advance; the medals, premiums, permits, awards, supplies are pre-paid and non-refundable.
In the coming weeks, after we settle all financial obligations, we will make the decision about what comes next, including making premiums available to the runners.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.
