COVID-19
WHAT HAPPENS N0W? AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. BROOKE NICHOLS
BY DAWNA STONE This spring, Running USA was able to spearhead the production of a research-based white paper that will help races get started again. Recognizing that every area of the country is different, and protocols and regulations are constantly changing, epidemiologist and medical modeler Dr. Brooke Nichols has outlined the safest way for running events to get back to the starting line. Dr. Nichols brings a perfect mix of skills to this project. In addition to her epidemiology background, she has spent much of her career focused on mathematical modeling of HIV transmission. She’s also a dedicated runner who has completed the famous Comrades Marathon. In 2020, those 20 | RACE DIRECTOR MAGAZINE
experiences came together when she was asked to help the Boston Athletic Association and other organizations with the science behind racing safely. Dr. Nichols sat down with me for an interview on COVID-19, running, and her expectations for our industry and getting back to normal. If you missed our conversation, here is a condensed version. You can also watch the video if you’d like to hear the interview in its entirety. If you haven’t had a chance to read the white paper, find it by clicking through to a downloadable version. Many events have told us that they are taking this white paper with them as part of their permitting negotiations with city and county
Center Illustration: Anna & Elena Balbusso
