(KWQC-TV 6) Return to race guidelines have been announced for the Quad-City Times Bix 7 race this year. In March officials announced the race would be returning on Saturday, July 24, 2021 to celebrate the 47th running of the Quad-City Times Bix 7.
On Wednesday, officials released the guidelines in place to “ensure our attendees’ safety” and said the guidelines are subject to be modified as mitigation efforts change.
“This plan for race weekend is based on what is currently known about the transmission of COVID-19 as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” officials said. “We are working with state and local health officials to implement the guidance offered by the CDC, while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of our local community. As guidelines change around large gatherings and events, our plan will be revised as needed.”
CAPPING FIELD SIZE
- We’re capping our field size to 10,000 participants. While we hope this capacity will increase as restrictions are lifted, we cannot guarantee there will be additional spots available in 2021.
RACE COURSE
- Measures to increase space use while reducing density at high traffic times and touchpoint areas may result in event reconfiguration to minimize contact at the event. This may include social distancing of 3′ apart, with participants crossing the starting line every 3 seconds.
QUICK BIX STARTS BEFORE BIX 7
- We’ve made the Prairie Farms Quick Bix its’ own event, starting at 7:30 am instead of starting at 8:00 with the Bix 7 participants.
IN-PERSON VS VIRTUAL
- You may switch your race choice from in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person without a fee through June 30.
- We will be asking participants and volunteers to follow these protocols race weekend:
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS
- We willfollow CDC guidelines. Masks will not be required while running. This rule will be reassessed relative to current climate surrounding COVID-19 over the next two months. Please checkbix7.comfor updated information.
- Per CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless otherwise mandated by state or local law or regulations.
UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS
- Per CDC guidelines, unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask indoors at all times and outdoors when they cannot be social distant or otherwise mandated by state or local law or regulations. This would include before the start line, after the finish line, but not while on the race course.
INDIVIDUALS ARE CONSIDERED FULLY VACCINATED
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine For clarity, the second dose with Pfizer or Moderna or single dose with J&J would be considered Day Zero and fully vaccinated would be considered on Day 15. If you do not meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. As such, you should be taking all necessary precautions and following CDC guidance.
- Avoid unnecessary touchpoints
- Be respectful of others and watch your distance
- Stay home if you are feeling ill or display any symptoms of COVID-19
PACKET PICKUP
- Participants may be asked to undergo a screening process, including a health questionnaire before receiving their race bib.
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
- Those who feel ill or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be admitted to Bix 7 events. For more information on symptoms and procedures for those experiencing them, please visit the CDC’s website,www.cdc.gov.
“Guidelines and protocols are continuously changing as it relates to health and safety. Changes will be communicated as they occur,” officials said. “Thank you for treating our volunteers respectfully as we provide a safe and fun world-class event!”
For more information, contact bix7info@gmail.com.