BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) – Runners on the Georgia coast are organizing a “virtual” 5k race that allows people to compete separately and on their own time without fear of contracting or spreading the coronavirus.
More than 70 people – some from states outside Georgia – have registered for the race organized by the Golden Isles Track Club, which is trying to get 150 participants to sign up by the May 14 deadline, The Brunswick News reported.
The club is donating all registration fees to the Firebox Initiative, a local group that’s raising money to help hospitality and service industry workers who have lost jobs amid the pandemic.
“We just realized, as a tourism destination, the service workers were going to be hit the hardest,” said Peggy Herman, one of the race organizers.
How does a “virtual” race work? Participants run or walk 5 kilometers – or 3.1 miles – anywhere and on any day they choose. They can record their own times using smartphones or fitness trackers, and then share them on social media.