Opinion – In the Race: Sport without borders? Not quite on the US-Canada border.

Participants in the Detroit (USA) marathon had a scare last week. A few days before the start, they were informed by the organization that all participants must meet a series of legal (and unusual) requirements to participate in a street race. And it’s Canada’s fault.

Detroit, for those who don’t know, is on the US-Canada border. Although the traditional marathon route takes place practically entirely on the American side, the route provides a “jump” in the neighboring country. The corridor crosses a bridge, crosses the border, spends approximately 20 minutes in Canadian territory and then returns to the US via a tunnel. This deviation has been going on since the 1970s and has always been seen as part of a policy of friendship and good neighborliness between the two nations.

But then the pandemic came, and the game turned.

Canada follows strict rules for the control of covid-19. The entry of unvaccinated people into the country is prohibited. A 10-day isolation period is also required for anyone who has contracted the virus. Finally, all North American runners will need to complete an electronic visa application to legally enter Canada for the duration of the race – even if it is for this 20-minute visit.

In practice, what does this mean? Will runners queue to pass a border checkpoint mid-race? It’s not like that. Although there is no strict document inspection policy, Canada requires marathon participants to carry a passport or driver’s license, a certificate of vaccination, in addition to authorization to enter the country. Luckily, digital versions of these documents are accepted. The authorities can randomly stop any participant to check that everything is in order.

Despite the squeak, organizers don’t believe the new policy will drive runners away. Anyway, those who don’t want to comply with the rules can run the half-marathon, which takes place on the same date, 100% on US territory.

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Joining street racing with social awareness is a trend in the world, and the idea is also starting to gain traction in Brazil. Next weekend, the Bimbo Global Race will take place, promoted by the food multinational simultaneously in 33 countries. The face-to-face event will take place on the USP campus in São Paulo, but anyone can virtually participate in the test. The online race registration is free, and for each registered participant, the company promises to donate 20 slices of bread to institutions that fight food insecurity. Last year, more than 31 thousand packages of bread were donated. Here’s a suggestion for anyone who wants to add a little social awareness to their weekend run.