Participants in a past Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic depart the starting line. Organizers have announced that the annual event will take place this summer, but with modifications. (Marquette Mining Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — The Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic is scheduled to take place Aug. 8, although organizers acknowledge the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a fluid situation and some decisions are beyond their control.

To promote the safety of participants, volunteers, partners and the broader community, several modifications are being planned, organizers from the Noquemanon Trail Network announced.

These include mailing out bib packets for participants registered before Aug. 1, moving portions of the expo inside, increasing the size of the start line pens to comply with social distancing, and making sure aid station volunteers are equipped with personal protection equipment.

Organizers said they continue to work closely with units of government; local, county and state law enforcement; emergency response professionals; and health agencies to monitor the evolving situation and evaluate options.

The decision to proceed as planned, modify conditions or cancel the race will be made with their input and communicated in a timely and transparent fashion.

However, registration deadlines are being pushed back by 30 days. If the race is canceled, all registered participants will receive transfers into the 2021 event.

New registration deadlines and fees for the 48-mile Hard Rock, 28-mile Soft Rock and 10-mile Shore Rock are: before June 1, $50; before July 1, $60; before Aug. 1, $70; and before Aug. 11, $80. The 4-mile Junior Rock always is $10, while the 1-mile Little Rock and 50-yard Littlest Rock are always $5.

To register or for more information regarding this year’s event, go to www/oretoshore.com.