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Charitable runs, walks learn to adapt to crowd limits

FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2019, file photo, runners take part in the New York City Marathon in New York. Non-profit organizations across the country are scrambling to keep their causes front of mind in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures brought on by the coronavirus have forced non-profits that use participatory events like charity walks and runs as fundraisers are getting creative. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2019, file photo, runners take part in the New York City Marathon in New York. Non-profit organizations across the country are scrambling to keep their causes front of mind in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures brought on by the coronavirus have forced non-profits that use participatory events like charity walks and runs as fundraisers are getting creative. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File) FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2019, file photo, runners take part in the New York City Marathon in New York. Non-profit organizations across the country are scrambling to keep their causes front of mind in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures brought on by the coronavirus have forced non-profits that use participatory events like charity walks and runs as fundraisers are getting creative. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

By WILL GRAVES / AP Sports Writer 3 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – The coronavirus pandemic has forced charities or nonprofit groups to cancel or postpone an untold number of walks and runs that raise money for everything from Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s.

There is, however, room to evolve.

When the Arthritis Foundation’s Pittsburgh chapter scrubbed its annual “Walk to Cure Arthritis Event” scheduled for May 16, it gave the 242 registrants a certain freedom.

“People could kind of do what they wanted at their own pace and at their convenience,” said Linda Glace, development manager for the foundation’s western Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter.

Such a move could potentially allow organizations to expand their footprint in the future because it would remove geographical barriers.