Organizers of the annual Spa Running Festival announced Monday this year's event, scheduled for Nov. 14, will be downsized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with two races canceled.
The popular half marathon, Summit2Summit race, has been canceled along with the Spa Squirt Kid's Race and the Spa Running Festival Expo which normally precedes the event, organizers said in a release.
"After much consideration, we have made the decision to cancel the 2020 running of the Summit2Summit Half Marathon. The anticipated social distancing requirements, logistics of the event, permit requirements and attraction of runners from throughout the country and internationally makes the event unlikely to be COVID guideline compliant," Cindy Baswell, the race director, and event committee members said in the release.
"We did not make this decision lightly and without ample contemplation," the release said. "However, we feel that this proactive step is necessary to keep runners, volunteers and the community safe."
People who have registered for the Summit2Summit Half Marathon will receive an email regarding their cancellation options, including a refund. Anyone registered for the squirt race will also be issued a refund.
"On a more positive note, the 10K and 5K categories are still on as scheduled at this time and the event committee, staff and volunteers will be reviewing all aspects of logistics and compliance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arkansas Department of Health," the release said.
Complying with requirements may result in changes at the start/finish to accommodate smaller group starting times, slight changes to the traditional course, and the elimination of on-course aid stations, the post-race food court and the awards ceremony, it said.
"In spite of any necessary changes, the Festival has ensured everything will resemble the exceptional race you have come to expect," the release said.
The Spa Running Festival, part of which has been held since 1982, welcomed a record-breaking registration and attendance in 2019. More than 2,000 runners attended from all over the country, representing more than 25 different states and even a few international travelers.
In 2021, the Spa 10K will celebrate its 40th-anniversary race, the same year Hot Springs National Park celebrates the 100th anniversary of its designation as a national park. According to the event organizers, "We're planning something special for 2021 with all of the Spa Running Festival races back and better than ever!"
Visit http://www.sparunningfestival.com for updates and information.