COVID-19 (coronavirus) Statement - Update 3/12

We have heard a lot of feedback from race participants concerning the status of the Palmetto Relay - both on the ‘You should cancel’ side and the ‘I hope you don’t cancel’ side. We have been listening to you and monitoring the worsening COVID-19 situation. At this point we have not decided to officially cancel the race, but we will make a final decision no later than Monday (3/16). This is a completely new experience for us here at the Malak Series and we are working through it just as everybody else is.

What we do know right now is that we will have a virtual race option. If we have the race, this will be for teams that don’t feel comfortable coming into the environment that is the race. If we cancel the actual race, then this will be a way for all teams to still participate in the event.

Here are the high level details for the virtual event:

  • The Palmetto Relay /200 race will start at 4:30 AM on Friday March 27th and finish at 4:30 PM on Saturday March 28th.

  • In that 36 hour time frame, you and your team members will need to complete all of the individual legs of the course - generally 3 separate runs per person, but it could be more for teams with less than 12 runners.

  • The Palmetto Relay /70 race will start at 3:30 AM on Saturday March 28th and finish at 4:30 PM on Saturday March 28th.

  • In that 13 hour time frame, you and your team members will need to complete all of the individual legs of the course - generally 2 separate runs per person, but it could be more for teams with less than 6 runners.

  • Teams do not need to run in true relay style and teams do not need to be together in one location during the race.

  • Runners will run their legs in any way they see fit - in their neighborhoods, on a track, on the actual Palmetto Relay Course (if you live in the area), on a treadmill, or where ever makes sense for each runner

  • Runners will run the actual leg distance of their assigned legs using the Leg Maps/Race Worksheet as a distance guide.

  • Runners will report their time for each leg to their team captain who will log everything for their team and submit the full sheet to us no later than 6:00 PM on Saturday evening March 28th.

  • We will send team captains their race packet which will include shirts, slap bracelet (baton - in case you plan to run true relay style), bibs, etc. to hand out to team members

  • We will send team captains the participant race medals for the post race to give to each team member

  • We will send team captains an official team log sheet to record the individual leg times for each runner. Team captains will use this to record times and send back to us on Saturday evening.

  • We will have official results and awards for the event

We are still finalizing the details for the virtual event - including how to let us know you want to run the virtual event. We will have official details and instructions for you later this week or early next week so your team can plan.

Obviously, the virtual event will not have the full feel of the actual event, but there will be the team aspect and plenty of interaction between team members.

In the event of race cancellation, there will be no refunds available - the money has been spent on preparing for the race and will still be given to the numerous charities/non-profits that we work with. As mentioned, we will get everybody their race swag and medals. And, the virtual event will provide a fun and competitive time with your team.

See our Previous COIVD-19 Statement from earlier this week.

Brian Malak