News

England Athletics confirm England Senior and U20 Combined Events Championships to go ahead

Following ongoing and detailed consultation with Bedford Borough Council, we are pleased to confirm that the England Senior and U20 Combined Events Championships at Bedford International Stadium will go ahead this weekend (29-30 May).

The safety of all those participating including, athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, event and venue staff as well as the Bedford community is of paramount importance.

We have been advised by Bedford Borough Council that there are no restrictions on travel in or out of Bedford Borough. In addition, we note the increased testing, and track and trace measures currently in place in Bedford Borough in conjunction with public health messaging.

We have worked closely with stakeholders, including the local authority and Bedford International Stadium management team, to put in place risk assessment policies and procedures and the event has been authorised to go ahead under England Athletics competition guidance.

Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place at the Stadium throughout the weekend. Anyone not adhering to these protocols, risk assessment policies, and procedures, at any time, will be required to leave the Championships with immediate effect. Registered participants will be issued with full instructions in advance of this weekend.

Prior to their attendance at the Championships, all registered participants will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test and provide evidence on arrival at the Stadium that their test has returned a negative result. Home country athletes travelling to the Championships should adhere to their local Government COVID-19 restrictions.

Under no circumstance should anyone registered to attend the Championships feel obliged to do so. It is a personal decision which will be fully respected.

We remain in continual dialogue with Bedford Borough Council and the event management team at Bedford International Stadium and will provide an immediate update should the situation regarding the staging of the Championships change.