Reef & Run Redux In 2021

Reef & Run Redux In 2021

Steven Munatones 05/17/2020 open water swimming No Comment

Reef & Run Redux In 2021

Courtesy of Jane Cairns, Santa Barbara, California.

Jane Cairns, race director of the Reef & Run Series, had to come to the same conclusion of tens of thousands of other open water swimming race organizers.

She wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce our very difficult decision to cancel the Reef & Run 2020 season.

I have spent weeks consulting with City officials, the Reef & Run Race Committee and our volunteers to find some way to have a safe event this summer. We have looked at ALL angles of running an abbreviated season. Unfortunately, all options pointed toward an event with heavy restrictions, mandates for limited participation and significant social distancing. Ultimately, the Committee and I decided that those constraints would be antithetical to the Reef & Run culture of participation for all, beach socializing and camaraderie for all swimmers, families and friends and celebrating healthy, active lifestyles in our beautiful community.

We know that Reef & Run is a summer event that we all enjoy for our health, well being and pure celebration of our beautiful beachside community, but putting on the event as we have come to love it during this time would be an unhealthy choice. You have often heard me say “Safety first!!” and we believe this is the safest way to keep our community, and all of our participants, healthy.

Thank you to all of you who purchased “Early Bird” entries. Usually, these funds are essential for all of the pre-season start-up costs. The good news is, none if it has yet been spent since we had no clear direction for permitting, insurance, etc. For those of you who have already paid, we can refund your entry fee or roll your entry fee into a 2021 season pass.

We understand that money is tight for many people right now, so we are happy to work with what is best for you.

While we plan to come back with an EPIC 2021 season, we are not completely forgetting about 2020!!! The Race Committee is currently working on some creative weekly social media challenges that will include drawings for prizes and will showcase our participants and sponsors. These will run during the planned season of June 4th to August 27th. Stay tuned for more, and make sure you are following our Facebook page for updates.

Thank you so much for your incredible support of Reef & Run over the past 11 years. We could not do what we do without the enthusiasm and loyalty of our participants and sponsors. We look forward to 2021 and beyond.“

For the latest updates, visit here.

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