When can we return to training & competition? (7th May)
In a press release on Thursday 7th May from Hamish Adams (Athletics Ireland CEO) and Georgina Drumm (Athletics Ireland President), it was confirmed that all National events that were to be held in May, June and July have been postponed until after 1st August. Athletics Ireland is liaising with Sport Ireland and the relevant Government authorities to determine the specific implications for athletics clubs and athletes with regard to the guidelines on relaxing restrictions in a phased manner in the coming weeks and months. Athletics Ireland is actively considering new dates for competitions and events that are feasible to host after 1st August and will communicate these decisions to Clubs as soon as possible. Among the core principles informing how competitive athletics can return, are following all Government guidelines on any transition back to activity, with the aim of ensuring the continued safety and well-being of the athletics and wider community; ensuring all competition and events are safe and focus on the well-being of athletes; awareness that a lead-in training time is required for athletes in clubs before any competition can resume; the need for innovation around athletic competition and events if restrictions on social distancing remain; and producing guidelines to mitigate risk to enable competition within Government guidelines.
It is still very uncertain when or even if we will have any T&F competitions this year or when road races can be held again, but we continue to urge members to do their best to stay fit by training at home to keep in physical shape. When training outdoors, please remember to train alone (unless with others from your household) and follow the guidelines on travel, social distance and keeping well apart from other walkers or runners you might meet on your run.
The club grounds and clubhouse remain closed until we hear that we can relax controls and life can begin to get back to normal again. Our website www.mullingarharriers.com and Facebook page will have updates. We need to continue to do what is asked of all us all to keep our communities safe, so stay home and stay safe.
