"The triumph can't be had without the struggle."

– Wilma Rudolph

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 In our December 2nd email and social media update, we announced our plan to move forward as if there would be a 2021 Broken Arrow Skyrace. We left our options open, crossed our fingers, and worked hard behind the scenes to put in place the many intricate pieces that go into hosting a successful, large-scale, European-inspired event.

 

However, after consulting with our race medical team, as well as local, state, national, and even international public health agencies (literally) – as well as our sponsors – we have come to the conclusion that it is unlikely that we will be able to safely hold an event on the scale of the Broken Arrow Skyrace in June.

 

While it is an imperfect solution, we have decided to postpone the Broken Arrow Skyrace to October 1-3, 2021.

 

As we always say, the Broken Arrow Skyrace really is THE highlight of our year. We want nothing more than to gather our community on the rugged, high alpine trails of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

 

For those who have been here before, you know that we rejoice in watching each and every one of you – from the race winners to the last finisher – #RingDasBell. And, it is hard to describe the tremendous personal fulfillment that we get out of hosting an event that allows you to challenge yourself physically, mentally, and, in some cases, maybe even spiritually. Simply put, we LOVE it.

 

But, our nation – indeed the world – remains locked in a grim struggle with this pandemic. And, perhaps because we welcome athletes from every corner of the globe to our Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows playground, we cannot ignore the fact that 2.4 million people around the world have already lost their lives to COVID-19.

 

And it is far from over. Vaccine distribution began in mid-December here in the United States. While this was unquestionably a watershed moment – and, hopefully, a turning point – the reality is that January was still the single deadliest month in the U.S. since the pandemic began.

 

As race directors, we have a responsibility to produce an event that is safe for the thousands of athletes that travel to Broken Arrow from around the United States and the world. As we have said from the beginning, we would rather go out of business than be responsible for a single serious illness or death. While trail running is ingrained in who we are – both as individuals, and as athletes – it is also true that races are a luxury we simply cannot afford at this moment.

 

Besides participant and volunteer safety – which is paramount and non-negotiable – the reality is that this fall date will (hopefully) allow us to put on the Broken Arrow "experience" that you've come to know and love. Those who have run the race before know that this is more than just a race. It’s a gathering, replete with the Trails in Motion Film Festival, how-to clinics and seminars, athlete panels, live music, tasty beverages from Sierra Nevada, the oh-so precious kid's race...and more.

 

The thought of a Broken Arrow Skyrace with staggered starts, no high fives, hugs, or aid stations – and no weekend events – just isn't as "Broken Arrow" as any of us would like.

 

With the generous support of our title sponsor, Salomon, we offered to roll over every single 2020 runner to the 2021 June event. While we hope that all registered runners will be able to join us in October, the reality is that the new date won't work for everyone. Thus, we are offering another 100% roll-over (to 2022) for anyone who is unable to join us in October.

 

The only thing that we ask – which is mandatory by July 1, 2021 – is that you notify us via email AND that you pull yourself from your respective distance(s) on Ultrasignup. Not doing so will void this offer. Your help here assures you can race Broken Arrow in 2022, while also opening a spot for a fellow runner on the wait list.

 

For those of you currently on the waitlist or considering registration, our approach will remain the same, namely that your credit card information will be held, but not charged, until we are:

 

a) certain that we can, in fact, hold the event,

b) know the number of athletes we can safely accommodate, and

c) are certain that we can safely hold all five distances.

 

We would be remiss to say that, while we are confident the October dates will go according to plan, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the race if we deem that window unfit or unsafe. It is our hope to have a definitive answer as soon as humanly possible so that you can make travel and lodging plans with our partners at Squaw Valley Lodge.

 

In full transparency, we realize that yet another change isn't a perfect solution, but it is the hand we've been dealt and this is OUR struggle that will ultimately lead to everyone's collective triumph!

 

Thank you for your support and your patience as we all struggle to navigate the many challenges before us.

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Wishing you all good health and peace during these difficult times,

 

Brendan Madigan / Ethan Veneklasen / Geoff Quine