A bright yellow sign that says "Human Powered Racing" at the top next to their logo, which is a zig zag line in the shape of a mountain range silhouette. Beneath that on the sign, and in larger letters, it says "Caution Race in Progress." Behind the sign is a gravel covered ground outside.

Human Powered Race Planning for 2021

ByRob Dibden

2020 was a bit of a write off when it came to racing. We managed to pull off one race, SwimRun Victoria, using a modified format that kept everyone who participated distanced and safe. All our other events were either cancelled or went virtual due to the health restrictions in place due to the pandemic.

As summer approaches in 2021 we have been working hard to salvage a race season. Although many of the races in our area have been cancelled due to health restrictions we have been looking for ways to make our races happen in spite of the pandemic. We have developed a general race plan that conforms with Provincial health orders and is designed to keep our participants, volunteers and staff safe and healthy.

Our plan can be adapted to any of our events. So far we have opened the Victoria Youth Triathlon, the Triathlon of Compassion, and SwimRun Victoria. We are working with our venue partners on XTERRA Victoria and the Westshore Youth Triathlon to hopefully open those events this summer.

Our plan is designed to keep participants and course marshals distanced safely throughout each event. There are no gathering spots or multiple touch points at the venue. Most of the pre and post race meetings and gatherings have moved online. Participants will remain separate and use masks in the lead up to their swim. All of the usual high risk locations and situations during each event have been eliminated. There will be no spectators in the start or finish areas.

This is not how we want our events to look in the future, but by respecting Provincial health orders and doing what we can to keep our participants and volunteers safe and healthy we are confident that racing can return in 2021.

Find out more and register for a Human Powered race at our race page.