The organizers presented a detailed plan of activities and changes in the program of the event, which were approved by the municipal services, the police and the Sanepid. Therefore, the organizing committee decided to continue the preparations and submitted an application for a permit to conduct the competition on September 5-6.
- We must remember that there are almost 5 weeks left to the competition and a lot depends on the development of the epidemic situation in our country, but at present there are no contraindications for the competition to take place on the first weekend of September. If the situation in Poland and Europe developed in an undesirable direction in the meantime, and the consent to the event was withdrawn, then all participants are guaranteed to start next year - says Michał Drelich.
The organizers of Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia had already signaled that the event would take place in the sanitary regime. Competitors will be required to wear a face shield, e.g. in the race office, transition zone and while waiting for the start. Stands with alcohol-based disinfectant will be set up at the entrances to all zones. The number of staff and volunteers as well as the number of so-called contact points, i.e. contact between the staff and the players and between the players themselves.
Due to the current restrictions, as well as out of concern for the safety of the event participants, the organizer decided to close the registration on August 3.
- Unfortunately, this year the number of participants in Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia must be significantly reduced. However, safety has always been our highest priority - says Michał Drelich. - We believe that despite the introduced restrictions, a beautiful sports spectacle and a lot of positive emotions await us all - he adds.
The organizer also referred to the issue of banning the public from outdoor events.
- Together with the largest organizers from all over Poland, we are conducting talks with the government to harmonize the provisions on the public. Today, stadiums or sports halls can be filled in 50 percent and we see no reason why the stands at outdoor events should be different. On the other hand, in the case of fans standing by the competition route, it is enough to apply the general provisions stating the need to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters between people - says Michał Drelich. - I believe that these regulations will be changed by the end of August, but if this does not happen, we will spread large banners with ... the profiles of families, friends and fans of our participants in the stands at the finish line instead of the audience. Soon we will launch an e-mail address to which you will be able to send your photos to welcome the finishers at the finish line, at least symbolically - he adds.
