Despite the Covid-19 pandemic decimating much of the 2020 race calendar an impressive 842 races licensed by runbritain were able to go ahead thanks to the careful planning and support to race directors from UKA and runbritain.

In July 2020 when the government eased restrictions to allow some events to take place UKA and runbritain published its guidance for race directors: “Principles for staging road and multi-terrain running events during Covid-19 restrictions”.  Following this guidance and registering the events gave event organisers the confidence to ensure those races that went ahead did so in a safe environment for athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators and members of the public.

For the first time virtual races were also registered with specific guidance published to support race organisers to ensure compliance and protection for competitors.  By the end of 2020 some 278 virtual races had taken place with many more expected to take place this year given the continuation of Covid-19 restrictions.

Until 2020 there had been a year on year increase in the number of races licensed with just over 2000 in 2012 through to 3907 at the end of 2019.  Races using the runbritain online entry system also continued to increase over this period and have now levelled off at around 850 per annum.

During 2020 runbritain received the 100,000^th sign up to the Handicap Scheme which is similar to a golf handicap and, as well as giving a score between scratch and 36.0, provides each runner with a national ranking by age band and postcode, their position on the national ladder and other useful training information aimed to improve their score the next time they race.

Gavin Lightwood, runbritain manager said,  “The past months have been difficult, and like many others, our sport has suffered. However, in these challenging times, we have worked closely with race organisers, officials, clubs, volunteers and runners in order to establish a process for delivering road and multi-terrain races when UK Government conditions allow.

“Innovations such as virtual races have ensured that engagement between the governing bodies, clubs, race organisers and runners has been maintained even when no actual races have taken place.  We thank all those who have contributed to the delivery of events last year and look forward to building on this work as 2021 progresses.”