Timeline for COVID-19 Decision

How did we decide on this decision to postpone the race until September?

Timeline:

·       March 10th-  we spoke with the Deputy Director of the Health Department in Eau Claire and they were not recommending the cancellation of mass participation events in Wisconsin

·       March 11th– The World Health Organization classified COVID-19 as a pandemic

·       March 12th– Governor ordered Wisconsin to cancel or postpone gatherings of 250 or more people statewide through April 14thto slow the spread of the disease 

·       March 13th- Our Runner’s Night with Scheels was postponed 

·       March 15th- the CDC issued new guidance against gatherings of 50 or more people for the next 8 weeks. We were aware that this lined up with our race. 

·       March 16th– the White House issued guidance that for the next 15 days (till April 1st), all events of 10 people or more should be cancelled or held virtually. 

·       March 17th- the USSSA released a statement that they are suspending all Event Sanctions until further notice 

·       March 24th– the Eau Claire City Council Approved the postponement of the Eau Claire Marathon until September 26-27, 2020. 

As you can see from this timeline, the rapidly evolving nature of this global health crisis has required us to monitor events in real time and make big decisions in short order. With specific recommendations and mandates made by the State of Wisconsin and the federal government, and the implications of this crisis becoming more evident on a daily basis, the only option available to us, not to mention the only socially responsible decision, is to postpone the Eau Claire Marathon until September, offering four alternate options for anyone who cannot attend the new date.  The running community is exceptional and we know that everyone will understand our difficult decisions.