Cancellation of Ultra Trail Scotland Arran Skyline and Tarsuinn Trail 2021 events.
Its with heavy heart that we, in consultation with Skyrunning UK, have unfortunately taken the difficult decision to cancel this years event. The current uncertainty surrounding COVID; new strains of the virus; vaccination timetable and associated lockdowns has effectively made the decision for us. We want to be able to commit to a safe, well run and above all enjoyable race on Arran and in the current environment, with all the work required to plan and prepare for the event, it is just not something that appears possible. Key in our thoughts and decision making are:
So what next?
For those who lost out due to the 2020 COVID cancellation and who we committed to providing a discount for the 2021 event. This discount will now carry over to 2022 and we hope to see as many of you over for the race as possible. In addition, and in advance of 2022 entries being opened up fully, we will be in contact with details to allow you the opportunity to register early for the race.
We will look to firm up details over the coming months – but for now if you keep the same third weekend of June penciled in for 2022, we will confirm in due course.
Finally, take care, be safe and while we know the cancellation is disappointing, hopefully you understand and we look forward to catching up and going again in 2022.
The very best,
Team UTS.
Its with heavy heart that we, in consultation with Skyrunning UK, have unfortunately taken the difficult decision to cancel this years event. The current uncertainty surrounding COVID; new strains of the virus; vaccination timetable and associated lockdowns has effectively made the decision for us. We want to be able to commit to a safe, well run and above all enjoyable race on Arran and in the current environment, with all the work required to plan and prepare for the event, it is just not something that appears possible. Key in our thoughts and decision making are:
- The Island of Arran: We run the race here because we love the place. As an island, Arran has a physical barrier that provides for an additional weapon in managing and keeping infection rates lower. Given the uncertainty – who knows where we will be come June, anything that we might do that has the potential to limit or jeopardise this, would not be right.
- Competitors: As those of you who have already competed in our race know, both the 26km and Ultra races routes are mentally and physically demanding and they require the right preparation and training to complete. So safety is a prime consideration and while we appreciate that some folks will be fine, the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions will have an impact on many peoples’ ability to access the right sort of terrain as well as the amount of time required to train and prepare appropriately.
- Our Volunteers: To run the event we rely heavily on a fantastic group of volunteers and equally on the input and good will from Arran Mountain Rescue. Even if all else was equal by June to make the event tenable, we think it is a hell of an ask to expect folks first act coming out of the Pandemic to commit to supporting our race, rather than prioritising family events and holidays that have been missed or postponed for a year and a half.
- Delaying the race until later in 2021: We looked briefly into delaying the race until later in 2021, but ultimately this would still be an exercise in planning for and through uncertainty. So unfortunately it is a full cancellation until 2022.
So what next?
For those who lost out due to the 2020 COVID cancellation and who we committed to providing a discount for the 2021 event. This discount will now carry over to 2022 and we hope to see as many of you over for the race as possible. In addition, and in advance of 2022 entries being opened up fully, we will be in contact with details to allow you the opportunity to register early for the race.
We will look to firm up details over the coming months – but for now if you keep the same third weekend of June penciled in for 2022, we will confirm in due course.
Finally, take care, be safe and while we know the cancellation is disappointing, hopefully you understand and we look forward to catching up and going again in 2022.
The very best,
Team UTS.
|
Ultra Trail Scotland 2020 is a Scottish Athletics Licensed Event (Licence No. 11199) and is run under UKA Rules. |
|