Athletics Canada mandates full vaccination at all events

Athletics Canada announced today that all athletes, coaches, and fans over the age of 12 who are planning to attend Athletics Canada events must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. This new mandate will also apply to volunteers, media and event staff on-site for Athletics Canada events.

The new vaccination policy will take effect immediately, and will apply to events and in-person meets.

This mandate will apply to anyone who was registered for the 2021 Canadian 10K Championships as part of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Oct. 17, as well as the 2021 Canadian Cross Country Championships in Ottawa on Nov. 27.

“Since we began organizing events in 1986, we promised our community an accurate and safe course,” said Alan Brookes, Race Director, Canada Running Series, in the Athletics Canada press release. “This has been a core value for more than four decades. As we look forward to a return to in-person racing this fall, the health and safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers remain of utmost importance.” This mandate will apply to anyone who was registered for the 2021 Canadian 10K Championships as part of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Oct. 17, as well as the 2021 Canadian Cross Country Championships in Ottawa on Nov. 27.

“Since we began organizing events in 1986, we promised our community an accurate and safe course,” said Alan Brookes, Race Director, Canada Running Series, in the Athletics Canada press release. “This has been a core value for more than four decades. As we look forward to a return to in-person racing this fall, the health and safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers remain of utmost importance.” 

“We share Athletics Canada’s commitment to require full vaccination for participants, staff and volunteers as the best way forward to restart in-person road racing. We’re excited to get back to what we love and see thousands of people cross that finish line on Oct. 17,” says Brookes. 

This Athletics Canada mandate does not apply at provincial athletics sanctioned events yet. Each provincial athletics institution has the right to make its own jurisdiction regarding in-person events and activities. 

Further details will be shared on the implementation of the policy, per Athletics Canada.

posted Saturday September 11th
by Marley Dickinson