Amid COVID Surge, Race Director Taking ‘Every Possible Precaution’ to Protect Health and Safety of Profits

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Despite a wave of COVID cases that is overwhelming already-exhausted health care workers, this weekend’s Lakehurst (Texas) Marathon is still on, the event’s organizer said today, stressing that “protocols” are in place.

“We are well aware of the realities on the ground,” Race Director Max Pruss said in a Zoom call with reporters, “and I want to be clear that event staff are taking every possible precaution to safeguard our profits.”

The race, which sold out months ago, is expected to attract 30,000 runners, plus thousands more spectators and volunteers. Harris County, home of Lakehurst, is currently at Level 2 or “Significant” threat for COVID, according to the county’s COVID-19 Data Hub website, which urges residents to “Minimize ALL Contacts Unless Fully Vaccinated.” Data on the same website shows area hospitals straining under COVID caseloads.

The Lakehurst Marathon doesn’t require proof of COVID vaccination for participants, though, as Pruss pointed out, masks are “encouraged.”

“Also,” he said, “you know, protocols.”

Meanwhile, he said, the event’s own internal data show that cash flow is strong and healthy, and that he and his staff are confident of a positive outcome.

“Our marketing and accounting teams have worked closely with public relations experts to allow us to rationalize holding a large gathering during an unprecedented surge in COVID cases in a state that has proudly resisted every attempt at mitigation,” Pruss said.

“Make no mistake,” he concluded. “All registration fees for Lakehurst Marathon events are nonrefundable and nontransferrable.”