2021 Volunteers

Dear Volunteers:

Although we have been given a permit and are proceeding with the race, we know that some of you still have concerns about COVID-19 safety.

Obviously, this year's race will not be "business as usual". Approval of our race permit came with several requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, we have made significant changes to the race and to our volunteer needs. We've limited runners to only one on-site crew person. We've also reduced the number of on-site volunteers during the race, including for the HQs Kitchen and both Aid Stations. However, we will staff the usually-unmanned Water Stop #1 (where the Graylyn & Reedy Creek MUTs meet). Our biggest needs will be pre-race setup and post-race teardown.

We have new requirements for volunteers that many of you are probably familiar with from your daily lives:

• Masks are mandatory at all times. We will have extras.
• Social distancing will be the norm, except for our Medical Staff when assisting runners.
• The HQ dining hall will be reserved for Medical Staff. The kitchen will be restricted to kitchen staff.
• Volunteers can be on-site only for their designated time-slot. When your shift is over, you must leave. We all enjoy the social aspect of watching the race, but we cannot exceed our permitted capacity.
• We ask that you not volunteer if you or someone in your household:
  • Have had contact with anyone who tested positive for, or was diagnosed as having, COVID-19.
  • Are experiencing any of the common symptoms of COVID-19:
    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • Have traveled outside the U.S. in the 14 days prior to the race.
• We also ask that you limit your contact with those outside of your typical activities in the two weeks before the race to reduce the possibility of a COVID-19 exposure.

Over the years, we have come to "expect the unexpected" during the race, whether that was a tree falling across the course, torrential rainstorms, or late night snow. Blake Norwood, our founding Race Director, was always proud of the way we would "improvise and adapt" to address any challenge we encountered and meet our goal of providing the best race experience possible for our runners. With your help, even at this very challenging time with COVID-19, we will continue that tradition.

With appreciation for your time and willingness to help,
Rhonda

Rhonda Hampton
Race Director
Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run