Hi there dear trail unicorn,
You have ended up here as someone who has already entered either Afterglow or Surf Coast Trail Marathon, slated to take place 21 November 20202.
Unfortunately, as you may have heard, we have had to make the very difficult decision to change the format to a virtual format, based on what we currently know of restrictions, which the next major step in lifting won’t be until after event day.
Yes, this is despite all signs looking overwhelmingly positive with case numbers per day way down (7 at the time of writing). Unfortunately there’s still no firm clarity on ability to operate events, especially ones that rely on bus travel like Afterglow.
Come 21 November, there is a small possibility that some events may be starting to rev up, BUT, according to Dan’s Road Map for regional areas as of now, group gatherings of more than 10 are not allowed and the NEXT step (called ‘Final Step) is slated for 23 November (past event date) and still only allows for gatherings of 50 outdoors.
Essentially, we cannot operate events until we reach “COVID Normal” which means no cases for 28 days.
While that may happen (and we are cheering for it) it is not guaranteed and given the long lead logistics of event planning (and early costs), we just can’t green light an event as per usual conditions.
So – virtual it is for Afterglow/SCTM. That said, you never know – come 21 November, we may still be able to gather in groups of some form to get dressed in our unicorn finest and run with mates, all pending and according to government restrictions come he 21st November. We may even be able to gather a herd or so down on the Surf Coast Trails proper! Have a cheeky ale at Bells Beach Brewery! It just won’t be under the usual auspices of the facilitated and timed event as per normal conditions.
It’ll still be fun though. Bonus: you can run Afterglow this year no matter where you are around Australia (or the world!). So giddy up with your fluro finery and start winding up the rainbows…
For now we’re here to figure out WHAT YOU WANT TO DO…
**you will have to fill in your details again to register your intention - please use the same email address / mobile that you originally entered with to access the registration**
Here are your options:
1. RUN THE UNICORN PARADE WTH US VIRTUALLY
Tick this box and we will put your currently paid entry fee towards the virtual entry ($44), with any remainder being refunded. You will receive in the post:
More details about how we will run the virtual event can be found HERE.
*Note: if you have friends who had not entered Afterglow but want to be part of the fun for the virtual event, there is a separate entry portal for new entries found HERE!
- a unique race bib,
- a ‘Be The Trail Unicorn’ headsweat (i.e. like a Thir or Buff),
- a rainbow trail unicorn sticker,
- a rainbow unicorn sew on patch (half, mara and ultra only) and
- access to the online portal where you can record your official time (you will need a GPS file of sorts from a GPS watch or run app), plus potential to win prizes.
2. DEFER ENTRY TO SURF COAST TRAIL MARATHON 2021 (JUNE)
Tick this box if you want to take your entry fee and apply it to SCTM 2021 in June. We will apply your entry fee to the same distance (21km/42km) you have allocated under your current entry. If you want to change distances you will be able to do so once we load up the data in a new registration portal. **For 13km or 5km entrants wishing to defer, your fee will be applied to the lowest distance in SCTM (21km) but you will need to pay the difference in fee o fully register your entry.
3. DEFER ENTRY TO AFTERGLOW 2021 (NOVEMBER)
Tick this box if you want to take your entry fee and defer it to Afterglow 2021 in November. We will apply your entry to the same distance (21km/13km/5km) you have allocated under your current entry. If you want to change distances you will be able to do so once we load up the data in a new registration portal. **For 42km or ultra entrants wishing to defer, your fee will be applied to the highest distance in Afterglow (21km) and we will arrange to refund the difference.
4. REQUEST A REFUND
Tick this box if you won’t take part in the virtual and don’t want to defer your entry until one of the 2021 events. We will arrange a refund ASAP less the usual admin fee ($15 in this instance).
PLEASE NOTE THAT WHATEVER YOU SELECT, YOU WILL LAND ON A 'PAYMENT' PAGE.
NO FEES ARE DUE AT THIS STAGE. THIS IS SIMPLY TO REGISTER ON OUR DATABASE WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR CURRENT REGISTRATIONS GIVEN CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES.
Still want some of the Unicorn merch? Should you want a refund but still want to purchase any of the new 'Be The Trail Unicorn' merch as above, head to the Tour de Trails Shop page and order online (although it'll be cheaper as a package to just enter the virtual run!).
Again, we apologise for having to make the difficult decision to go virtual. Hopefully we can come November still herd together somewhat and shine the rainbow parade brightly where you may be, including potentially down the Surf Coast restrictions allowing.
For now, check the boxes, tell us what you want to do and we will be in touch shortly and process what needs processing as soon as we can. Please keep in mind that we are a small team working part time from kitchen tables, so we appreciate your patience, understanding and ongoing support for all things Tour de Trails.
We will soon make announcements regards:
- Goldrush Trail Runs
- Oscars 100 Hut 2 Hut, and
- Warby Trail Fest in due course.
And at this stage we fully plan to undertake our trail run tours in 2021, including England and Bhutan, along with a bunch of more local versions across The Grampians, Mt Buffalo, Great Ocean Walk and others.
Glitter and rainbows,
Chris, Peri, Simon and the TdT team.
