Position Statements
COVID-19 Guidelines
In accordance with the CDC and USA Track and Field, the Prairie Striders Running Club encourages the following COVID safety guidelines for runners and volunteers:
Runners
Prairie Striders is an area running club that works to promote running in the community through hosting a number of road races and other events. Prairie Striders races shall be named by our club, conducted by our club, and managed in all details by our club.
Although we do not typically add new races, the Prairie Striders board will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Prairie Striders events are expected to be well organized and properly insured with long-term commitments in mind. In addition, the club encourages other entities in their running events through listing events on the Prairie Striders website, renting equipment, and providing advice. Groups wishing to consult with Prairie Striders about conducting a road race may email run@prairiestriders.net.
Adopted: March 2014
Prairie Striders Position on Defibrillators
Race directors are encouraged to inform the Brookings Health System ambulance service of race dates, times, and locations. Defibrillators are available through the Brookings Health System ambulance service, Brookings first responders, and Brookings police, all of whom are trained in the use of defibrillators and have a reasonable response time to all racing venues. Therefore, it is the position of Prairie Striders that defibrillators will not be required at Strider-sponsored events.
Adopted: July 2009
Prairie Striders Position on Pushrim Wheelchairs and Handcycle/Hand-crank Wheelchairs
Given the small size of most local events, it is understood that a separate wheelchair division may not be practical. When safety issues can be adequately addressed, race directors in Strider-sponsored running events are encouraged to allow participation by wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair, in this context, refers to pushrim wheelchairs. These chairs require self-propelled motion without assistance of gears.
Handcycles are not considered wheelchairs in this context. Handcycles (also known as hand-crank wheelchairs) are powered by turning a crank connected to bicycle-style gears which offer a mechanical advantage. This position is supported by the USATF ruling that competition should consist of "self-propelled motion without assistance (2004)." Wheelchair Athletics USA also maintains that wheelchair racing and handcycling are two different sports. Race Directors may allow participation by handcycles, but should not combine handcycles and wheelchairs in the same competitive division.
Adopted: April 2009
In accordance with the CDC and USA Track and Field, the Prairie Striders Running Club encourages the following COVID safety guidelines for runners and volunteers:
Runners
- If you are sick, please stay home and do not participate
- If you are high risk (per CDC guidelines), please stay home and wait to participate until
after the pandemic has passed - Maintain safe distancing of at least 6 feet before, during, and after racing
- Wear a mask when not running (packet pickup, start, finish area)
- Practice good hand hygiene (sanitizer or hand washing) and avoid touching your face
- Avoid spitting or blowing your nose unless into a kerchief or properly disposed tissue
- Limit the number of spectators attending the event with you
Volunteers - If you are sick, please stay home and inform the race director or volunteer coordinator
- If you are high risk (per CDC guidelines), please stay home and wait to volunteer until
after the pandemic has passed - Maintain safe distancing of at least 6 feet from runners and fellow volunteers
- Wear a mask during your volunteer duties
- Practice good hand hygiene (sanitizer or hand washing) and avoid touching your face
- Wear gloves when preparing fluids or food for runners and when collecting volunteer
supplies
Adopted: June 2, 2020; last updated July 14, 2020
Prairie Striders is an area running club that works to promote running in the community through hosting a number of road races and other events. Prairie Striders races shall be named by our club, conducted by our club, and managed in all details by our club.
Although we do not typically add new races, the Prairie Striders board will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Prairie Striders events are expected to be well organized and properly insured with long-term commitments in mind. In addition, the club encourages other entities in their running events through listing events on the Prairie Striders website, renting equipment, and providing advice. Groups wishing to consult with Prairie Striders about conducting a road race may email run@prairiestriders.net.
Adopted: March 2014
Prairie Striders Position on Defibrillators
Race directors are encouraged to inform the Brookings Health System ambulance service of race dates, times, and locations. Defibrillators are available through the Brookings Health System ambulance service, Brookings first responders, and Brookings police, all of whom are trained in the use of defibrillators and have a reasonable response time to all racing venues. Therefore, it is the position of Prairie Striders that defibrillators will not be required at Strider-sponsored events.
Adopted: July 2009
Prairie Striders Position on Pushrim Wheelchairs and Handcycle/Hand-crank Wheelchairs
Given the small size of most local events, it is understood that a separate wheelchair division may not be practical. When safety issues can be adequately addressed, race directors in Strider-sponsored running events are encouraged to allow participation by wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair, in this context, refers to pushrim wheelchairs. These chairs require self-propelled motion without assistance of gears.
Handcycles are not considered wheelchairs in this context. Handcycles (also known as hand-crank wheelchairs) are powered by turning a crank connected to bicycle-style gears which offer a mechanical advantage. This position is supported by the USATF ruling that competition should consist of "self-propelled motion without assistance (2004)." Wheelchair Athletics USA also maintains that wheelchair racing and handcycling are two different sports. Race Directors may allow participation by handcycles, but should not combine handcycles and wheelchairs in the same competitive division.
Adopted: April 2009