Five upcoming virtual races that benefit the Birmingham community
With most of the gyms in our area still closed, many people have turned to running, walking and jogging as a convenient way to get in some exercise. Everything is in bloom right now, making it a great time to lace up your sneakers, go outside and wave at your neighbors (from a safe distance).
So what is a virtual race? A virtual race can be run anywhere, inside on your treadmill or outside around your neighborhood. You complete the set distance and report your time to the organization. Using a fitness app, such as Strava or Nike Run Club, help these organizations determine the fastest runners for awards. Mostly, its about getting some exercise and supporting our local organizations.
Every year, ARC is proud to sponsor or be involved in several running events. We have consistently been involved in the Mercedes Marathon, the Blazer Bolt 5K and the End Heroin Walk. However, due to COVID-19, many of the upcoming events have been moved to a virtual setting. The organizations behind these events do a lot of good for our community, so here are five great races that you can compete in virtually this spring and summer!
- Distance: 5k and fun run
- Date: April 1st-30th
- Cause: funding lifesaving research for childhood cancer
- Info: Run for their lives has made a goal to run 15,780 miles during the month of April, the same number of children that are diagnosed with cancer every year. In order to participate, you must register and record your miles by posting a selfie and the distance. Miles are officially submitted every Saturday.
“We are in this Together” Social Distance Challenge
- Distance: 3 miles in 3 hrs, 6 in 6, 12 in 12 or 24 in 24
- Date: May 2nd
- Cause: Central Alabama Food Bank
- Info: The We Are in this Together Social Distance Challenge is meant to help those of us that are suffering financially, mentally and physically by ensuring that people in need don’t go without. You can run wherever you like, but after you complete your category, post the results using the hashtag #RRtogether. The $20-25 entry fee benefits our local food bank.
Alabama Service Workers Relief Virtual 5K
- Distance: 5K
- Date: May 8th-10th
- Cause: AL Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
- Info: COVID-19 has hit Alabama’s restaurant and hospitality industries hard. The $20 entry fee into this race directly benefits Alabama food and beverage workers to help cover rent, utility and medical expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. Participants can complete their miles in any way they’d like, but are asked to share a photo or screenshot at the end of their race.
- Distance: 5K or 1 mile fun run/walk
- Date: Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th-10th)
- Cause: Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation
- Info: On Mother’s day weekend, all runners, walkers and cyclists are invited to celebrate the women in their life by joining in on a virtual Motherwalk to honor those whose lives have been impacted by ovarian cancer.
- Distance: 5K or 1 mile fun run/walk
- Date: June 19th-21st
- Cause: benefiting the Mike Slive Foundation and the fight against prostate cancer
- Info: ARC Realty is proud to be a gold sponsor of this event again this year. With your help, the Mike Slive Foundation has been generating national awareness for prostate cancer and helped fund groundbreaking scientific research in an effort to find a cure. Not only are we sponsors, we are also participants! Feel free to join the ARC Realty team and help us to end prostate cancer, one step at a time.
