Abu Dhabi imposes coronavirus testing and spectator ban for community sports events

Sports Council set out rules to allow for running, cycling and swimming events this winter

Athletes run the 5K the ADNOC Abu Dhabi marathon 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Spectators will not be permitted at the finishing line of community sports events in Abu Dhabi, under precautions to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Children under the age of 12, adults over 60 and people with chronic diseases will not be allowed to take part.

All participants must first also undergo a test to prove they are virus-free.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) rules govern the staging of events such as running, cycling, triathlons, open water swimming and other marine activities.

All registration must go through the sport council's website.

There should be a specific pickup location for kits, devices or equipment, said the council. And race numbers must be provided 72 hours before the event starts.

“Participants arriving from outside the Abu Dhabi emirate may collect the numbers assigned to them on the day of the event after presenting email verification of registration,” Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said.

At the event itself, there must be separate start and finish lines, as well as separate entrances and exits at the venue.

Anyone entering must present a negative Covid-19 certificate and have their temperatures tested. All areas and facilities must be “continuously cleaned”.

Spacing markers of 2 metres should also be installed.

Participants must wear masks and gloves, maintain 2m distancing and use their own water bottles. Shaking hands and hugging during celebrations is not allowed.

Medals will be collected at designated areas. Spectators are not allowed, and participants should leave the site immediately after they finish, according to the guidelines.

Among the many community events held last winter was a boot camp for public sector employees on the newly-opened Hudayriat Island, pictured below.

On Saturday, the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, scheduled for December 11, was postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus.

Thousands of runners had signed up to compete, but organisers said the public’s health and safety remained the top priority.

A new date has yet to be set.