DXA2 COVID-19 UPDATES
JULY 31, 2020 • 2:00PM
HOW VIRTUAL RUNS WORK
SIGNUP • PACKET • BIB • RUN • RESULTS • CELEBRATE
We’re 37 days away from “VIRTUAL” race day and wanted to fill you in on how our virtual race will work.
Virtual runs are a great option as a standalone way to motivate individuals to stay active, for runners who can’t make the scheduled race date to still participate over an extended timeframe, runners from a far who want to receive the custom perks and compete from wherever they are, and as last resort for race directors forced to cancel a physical race but still offer an enjoyable experience to fans of their event.
With shirts and medals already purchased and in-hand, switching to a virtual run allows participants to run the event on their own and still receive the commemorative items, while organizers aren’t left holding unusable inventory.
More importantly, virtual races are a way for runners to keep their competitive juices flowing and not waste all of their training, while being able to compare their performance with others in their age groups and overall.
HOW OUR VIRTUAL RACE WILL WORK
The registration process is exactly the same for this virtual races as for the normal Dexter-Ann Arbor Runs. Individuals will register online via the RunSignup platform linked to from our event.
One difference for having the best virtual race experience possible, is that you must opt-in to receive text message and email notifications from the registration platform — these will prompt you and provide important links to results and custom information throughout the virtual results submission window.
Our automated system will send you notifications via text and/or email with how to download and print your custom race BIB, submit your results once completed, and prompt you to download your finisher certificate, etc.
JULY 15, 2020 • 9:00PM
2020 DEXTER-ANN ARBOR IN-PERSON EVENT IS CANCELLED
Virtual, Contributor & Deferral Options Available
The Ann Arbor Track Club (AATC), in close consultation with local health officials, has made the difficult decision that the Dexter-Ann Arbor Runs will not be held in person this year. The health and well-being of our participants, volunteers, staff and community are our top priorities. We are greatly disappointed about having to cancel, but amid the increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide we are not willing to put everyone who makes this race such a terrific event at greater risk.
AATC is offering three options to registrants we believe are fair and will allow us to remain financially sound going forward. Thank you for being loyal runners and staying positive throughout this process.
OPTIONS — EXISTING REGISTRANT ACTION IS REQUIRED BY AUGUST 19, 2020
Make Your Selection by Visiting Our Registration Page
1) RACE VIRTUALLY IN 2020 (Labor Day weekend)
a. Opt-in to Virtual Race of Same Distance as Original Registration
b. Finisher Medal (for distance of original registration)
c. Gender Specific Tech Shirt
d. Local Packet Pickup
e. Free Shipping (if desired)
f. 25% Discount Off Your 2021 Registration
g. Downloadable BIB Number & Finisher Certificate
h. Online Results Submission & Viewing
2) CONTRIBUTE TO ANN ARBOR TRACK CLUB
a. Make a one time donation of your 2020 entry fee to support our youth program, The Flyers.
3) DEFER ENTRY TO 2021
a. Choose to have your existing registration transferred to the same event/distance for the June 6, 2021 running, at no additional cost to you.
NO REFUNDS
As acknowledged by all registrants during the signup process, entry fees are non-refundable. Ann Arbor Track Club promotes fitness, friendship, and fun for all ages through running, walking, and track & field activities. The revenues generated from the Dexter-Ann Arbor race account for more than 98% of the Ann Arbor Track Club’s operating budget, which funds all the club’s activities, events and programs, including indoor winter track rental, local charities support, our extremely successful youth program, and more.
Once you register, we start putting your money to work to plan for your arrival and develop an experience worth the entry, with 364 days of work and one day of fun. Most of it is spent several months in advance of a race and on many integral items to prepare for your arrival:
- Venues
- Permits
- Medals
- Apparel
- Logistical Support
- Vendors
- Hydration and Supplies
- Operational Assets
- Personnel
- Marketing, Advertising and Other Media
- …and the list goes on…
MOVING FORWARD
We’ve created a reference page on our website where additional updates and answers can be found.
Remain safe. Keep up your training. Look toward tomorrow and set a new goal. We look forward to running with you again soon.
JULY 13, 2020 • 5:00PM
While we have received initial approval for the new date (Labor Day), our staff remains actively working with the City of Ann Arbor and others to finalize all necessary authorizations to run the race as designed, and are prepared should we be required to cancel the in-person running. In the meantime, please follow CDC recommendations for social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands and staying home if sick. These steps will help race organizers everywhere return to road racing again sooner.
MAY 15, 2020 • 8:00PM
The deferral to 2021 and and BIB transfer period for individuals who were registered prior to the postponement announcement and cannot attend on Labor Day or next year has now passed. Everyone who did not utilize either option is now registered for the Monday, September 7, 2020 running. Registration for this year’s event will remain open through race weekend.
EXPO & PACKET PICKUP
There will not be an expo this year. To maintain a safe environment for everyone, the 2020 Expo for Dexter-Ann Arbor Runs has been cancelled. Pre-race packet pickup details are being worked out and we’ll publish specifics as we get closer to race week. The tentative plan is to offer several days of packet pickup somewhere in Ann Arbor during race week, as well as on race morning near the finish line.
KID’S RACE IS GOING VIRTUAL
The Ann Arbor Track Club and Jack Demmer Auto Group present the annual Dexter-Ann Arbor Kids Run, a “mini-meet.” For the safety of all kids and their families, this year’s kids event will be a virtual race only. Registered kids will be mailed their race shirt and finisher medal some time near race day.
This event is open to all kids age 12 and under, with an emphasis on FUN, not competition. The Kids Run is a great way to get your kids involved in the sport of running.
HOW DOES A VIRTUAL KIDS RACE WORK?
- Signup Kids Online as Usual
- Enable Text and/or Email Notifications During Registration
- Review Notifications as Their Sent Leading Up to Race Day
- Visit Registration Profile to Print Custom BIB to Wear on Race Day
- Setup Your Own Safe Course Around Home for Kids to Run
- Follow Prompts in Notifications to Submit Kid’s Results Online (TBD)
- Submit Kid’s Results Per Notification Instructions (TBD)
- View Kid’s Results Page to Download and Print Finisher Certificate
- Kids Shirt and Finisher Medal Mailed Via USPS Near Race Day
Keep following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to receive the most current updates. We look forward to seeing you soon.
APRIL 2, 2020 • 8:15PM
For 46 years we’ve presented an opportunity for individuals from around the region to participate in a unique event that supports a lifestyle of fitness and well-being, while giving back to nonprofit partners in the area. With the uncertainty our nation is currently coping with, the safety of our participants and community remains our top priority.
WE’LL BE RUNNING THE RIVER THIS YEAR ON LABOR DAY!
With an end to social distancing guidelines and the ban on mass gatherings remaining unknown, we have made the decision to postpone our 47th running until Labor Day — Monday, September 7, 2020. While we have received initial approval for the new date, our staff is actively working with the City of Ann Arbor and others to finalize the necessary permits to run the race as designed.
We wanted to reach out to all registered participants with detailed information on what to expect next. Additional details will be published in the coming weeks.
KEEP UP YOUR TRAINING
The CDC recommends activity like outdoor running, walking and biking to help combat the effects of cold, flu and COVID-19. The caveat is that you practice safe social distancing, and evaluate your individual risks before acting.
We are offering options to accommodate the inconvenience that this COVID-19 situation has caused you.
YOUR DEFERMENT & BIB TRANSFER OPTIONS
For Registrants up to Announcement on April 2, 2020
-
- AUTOMATIC DEFERMENT TO LABOR DAY 2020: On May 1, 2020, all current registrants will have their 2020 entry automatically deferred into our September 7, 2020 running. (at no additional charge to you)
- DEFERMENT TO JUNE 6, 2021: If you cannot make the postponed 2020 date, you will be able to defer your BIB to our 48th running in 2021. You will have through April 30, 2020 to make this selection from your runsignup.com/profile. Steps: Navigate to your profile >> Upcoming Events >> Manage Registration >> Defer Registration >> make selections and save changes. You will receive an email showing the details of your deferral. Save this information. You’ll use it to claim your 2021 spot once the registration window reopens.If you do not select this option by the deadline, you’ll be automatically deferred to this year’s postponed date. (at no additional charge to you)
- BIB TRANSFERS: If you cannot attend either the postponed date of Labor Day 2020, or next year’s date of June 6, 2021, you can transfer your BIB to another person through April 30, 2020. The process is easily managed by you through your Run Signup profile. The transfer fee will remain in place. We recommend referring to this tutorial.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Our official hotel, Weber’s, will be contacting all individuals who made reservations under the DXA2 block, to assist with canceling or moving existing registrations.
REFUNDS
Consistent with race industry standards, Dexter-Ann Arbor entry fees are not refundable (as acknowledged by all registrants during the signup process). Refunds simply aren’t an option if any races and clubs are expected to survive. The Dexter-Ann Arbor Run is the primary source of revenue for the Ann Arbor Track Club and proceeds from the race fund all other club activities, events and programs throughout the year.
THE RACE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
Once you register, we start putting your money to work to plan for your arrival and develop an experience worth the entry. Race Directors everywhere are being asked where the money has been spent. Most of it is spent several months in advance of a race and on many integral items:
- Venues
- Permits
- Medals
- Apparel
- Logistical Support
- Vendors
- Hydration and Supplies
- Operational Assets
- Personnel
- Marketing, Advertising and Other Media
- …and the list goes on…
After the race, all remaining funds are donated to nonprofit organizations.
WHY THIS PROCESS?
Since 1974, we’ve existed to support you on your journey to the finish line. This year we appreciate your support, understanding and acceptance of the options we are offering.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
These are stressful times for everyone and we’re all in this together. The more we work together, the better we’ll all be on the other side.
Within the next few weeks, we’ll send a follow up email to all registrants with the detailed steps for deferring, or transferring registration.
Thank you for your understanding and patience, and keep running.