Explore Kentucky Spring Programming Cancellation Notice

Events affected:

Spring through fall is the Explore Kentucky Initiative’s busy time! We strive to be purveyors of good times in Kentucky’s amazing outdoor spaces as well as stewards through several events including hikes, river clean-up, paddlesports races, and more.

And while we want nothing more than to continue with these programs it would be selfish on our part. COVID-19 has introduced an unprecedented situation for the entire world, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this global pandemic. Currently, public health experts, elected leaders, and communities are undertaking unprecedented actions to respond to and mitigate the spread of this virus. So in turn it is our responsibility as a social enterprise to do our part to control the spread of this illness. This means bringing in over 2k+ individuals to participate in these programs from all across the country during an emerging health crisis would be grossly negligent. Just one participant who is an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 can easily transmit the virus at a gas station, hotel, to a fellow competitor, grocery store, and from there the number of cases can quickly multiply, unduly burdening local healthcare systems (many of our events are in rural areas without many clinics, practitioners, tests, or ICU beds). Our events themselves have high transmission risks: there are distinct bottlenecks at race check-ins/registration desks, finish lines, and aid stations; many people handle the same ink pen or pacing chip; etc. There is also a need to make sure emergency and other governmental resources are dedicated to fighting the virus, not providing support for an event. Our intention is to place the health and safety of individuals in our community, state, and country above all else. We realize this provide uncertainty about the future of EKI’s existence, impacts our program partners, vendors, and local municipalities that benefit from the economic output generated by our events. It includes disappointing our core stakeholders - loyal (and new) members of the #ExploreKentucky community that has been looking forward to these programs.

With those thoughts in mind, there is a plan in action for these programs 

  • Expedition Frankfort Run. Ride. Paddle

    • There will be a virtual race option. 

    • Tentatively rescheduled to October 2020.

  • 4th Annual Bluegrass River Run

    • TBD

  • Totally Tubular Tube-A-Thon

    • We planned to host the event again this year in June, but with a novel virus on the loose, we don’t think it’s smart to host a large scale event that brings over 1K individuals in close quarters this year. So the event will take place in June 2021.

  • Explore Kentucky Ancient Forest

    • Tentatively rescheduled to November 2020.

  • Inaugural Cherokee State Historic Park Outdoor Adventure Weekend

    • Summer 2021

  • 3rd Annual Beaver Creek Blueway Trail Clean-Up 

    • TBD

More details are coming soon in regards to people who are currently registered and when registration will re-open for some of these programs. Remember to follow Governor Andy Beshear’s directive by being #HealthyAtHome. However this doesn't mean you can't #ExploreKentucky, it just means you should #AdventureLocal by hitting the water, trails, nature watching, and forest bathing at parks and natural areas in your community.  Remember the most important thing is taking care of yourself, and those close to you.

P.S if you plan to venture out to enjoy our natural spaces here are some resources:

Gerry Seavo JamesComment