The Don Sjogren Community YMCA is not letting the COVID-19 pandemic stop 28 years of tradition.
The 2020 Silver Run will be a virtual race where participants can complete the race of their choice (2-mile walk or run, 5K run or 10K run) anytime between 7:30 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, June 20.
“The Silver Run gives area residents a great incentive to get up and get moving, and we need that opportunity more than ever this year,” Don Sjogren Community YMCA Executive Director Janell Brown said.
The YMCA will mark the traditional Silver Run course for anyone who wants to walk or run that route, but participants may also choose to walk or run a route of their choice anywhere. Participants can track their times using any GPS device or smartphone app, including Endomondo, Map My Run or Run Keeper, if they want to compete for medals. Or, walkers and runners can participate just for fun without tracking their time.
Medals will still be awarded in several race categories based on age and gender. All registered participants will receive a virtual Silver Run race t-shirt, and race proceeds will support YMCA camp and youth scholarships.
“When you participate in the YMCA Silver Run, you are racing forward and giving back,” Brown said. “Grab a friend or family member or two and sign up together to help your own heart and the hearts of others in the community.”
To prepare for the Silver Run, the YMCA is offering a FREE QuaRUNtine to 5K training program that will help anyone go from sitting on the couch to running a 5K in 6 weeks. The program starts on May 11. Details and sign up are available on the Don Sjogren Community YMCA Facebook page or by emailing jbrown@ymcaoftheprairie.org.
The registration deadline for the Virtual Silver Run is June 15 to receive a t-shirt. The fee is $25 per person. The YMCA encourages all Silver Run participants to wear their t-shirts on the morning of June 20 and for area residents to help cheer on runners in the green Silver Run shirts around town that morning.
“In this time, people are searching for community, and we hope this gives people that opportunity to connect, especially on a day where local residents will be missing the annual Swedish Days festivities,” Brown said.
To register for the 2020 Virtual Silver Run, visit www.runsignup.com and select The Silver Run Corona Style. Instructions will be sent regarding the race and submitting race times.
For more information, please contact race director Natasha Manahan at nmanahan@ymcaoftheprairie.org.
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