From Monday 14 September, you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6 .

. The new rules apply indoors, outdoors and inside private homes.

On Tuesday 8 September, the UK Government announced that from Monday 14 September, social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in the United Kingdom. But what does this mean for you and your running?

Can I still run with my running club?

Yes, according to the government guidelines , you can meet others to run as long as you are not running in a group of more than six.

The government guidelines say, ‘The government recognises the vital role sports and physical activity plays in ensuring physical and mental health’, so there is an emphasis on keeping the country active at the moment.

Can I still go and run on the treadmill at my local gym?

Yes, runners can also continue to go to their local swimming pool or gym as they are now, however they should not go to these venues socially or in groups of more than six. Leisure facilities are allowed to stay open at this time as they have to meet strict measures to ensure they are Covid-secure .

Will races and events like parkrun still be allowed to go ahead?

Yes. According to Sport England , they have received confirmation from the Prime Minister that races that comply to the new rules and organised events such as parkrun, due to return next month, will be allowed to go ahead.

Races can only go ahead if they comply to strict guidelines , which require race organisers to complete Covid-19 risk assessments as well as following a number of different safety measures before, during and after the race.

Why is the coronavirus harder to catch outdoors?

We spoke to Dr David Nieman, health professor at Appalachian State University, US, and director of the Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus, about how runners can stay safe during coronavirus. Nieman said, ‘It’s safer to be outside than inside when it comes to disease transmission. When people congregate together and someone sneezes or coughs, droplets get onto objects that people touch and then people touch their face’.

When we’re outdoors, we’re much less likely to come into contact with infected surfaces. Tiny particles of the virus (called aerosols) are dispersed by fresh air and by staying two metres away from other people you are less likely to come into contact with the virus. Breezes, air currents, rain and wind all dilute the possibility of the virus particles being passed from one person and landing on another.

Have the guidelines changed on wearing a mask during exercise?

Yes and no. The guidelines have changed for wearing a mask or face covering, but they don't apply to exercise outdoors. The government guidelines state, 'If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops.

'A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers; these supplies should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust hazards.'

The government have published guides on making your own face mask here.

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