Lace up your running shoes and join these virtual 5Ks and races

With the spread of the coronavirus in Ohio and the rest of the world, large groups are strongly discouraged from assembling. For many runners, this means that upcoming races have been canceled or postponed.

Apart from indulging in a run (and perhaps also reveling in the one moment a day that you aren’t confined to your home), avid runners and novices alike can now also participate in a virtual form of these races in the coming weeks.

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From local to international races, we have crafted a guide to these virtual events (5Ks, 10Ks and more) that will allow you to push yourself without compromising your health and the health of others. And please remember: Whether you’re running in your neighborhood or a park, please be sure to maintain that six feet of distance between yourself and other runners.

LOCAL RACES

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Stay Away 5K Virtual Race

The Advanced Running Project and New Balance Dayton have collaborated to create the Stay Away Virtual Race series. In total, this series includes the following races, available to complete from anywhere on the following dates:

- Stay Away 5K - April 3-5 (RegistrationFacebook page)

- Social Distancing 10K - April 17-19 (RegistrationFacebook page)

- Flattening the Curve 19K - May 1-3 (RegistrationFacebook page)

There is no cost to complete this virtual race, and participants will have a three-day window after their race to submit their times to RunSignUp. After each race, eight finishers chosen at random will receive one of the following prizes:  Free entry into any Advanced Running Project race in 2020, a pair of American Flag Crocs, an ARP trucker or running hat of their choice or a box of Clif Bars. Additionally, at the end of the series, one female and one male finisher will win free entry into the entire 2020 Miami Valley Race Series (a $130 value). Prize winners will need to pick up their prizes after the pandemic comes to an end.

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🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Choo Choo 9 Miler and 5K - Virtual Only

The original intent of this race was to pay homage to the legend of the central Ohio railways, the late Silas B. Rutherford, by running the final nine miles of his railroad journey. Now, however, participants will have the option of running a virtual version of this race, taking place on Sunday, April 5.

To register for the nine-mile race or the 5K, pay a visit to runsignup.com. Registration will cost you $25. Once you've signed up, an email will be sent out containing more information regarding the reporting of individual race times.

For more information, pay a visit to the event's website or Facebook page.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Yoctangee Park 2 Person 10K Relay, 5K & 10K

Originally set to take place in Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, the organizers of the race are now offering remote, self-timed 5K and 10K races on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 a.m.

To register for the race, pay a visit to racesignup.com. Participation in the 5K will cost you $24 and $29 to complete the 10K. After you have completed the race, be sure to send a screenshot of your race time via email to Missy@usroadrunning.com. Medals and bibs will be mailed out the Tuesday after the race date and results will be posted on RaceSignUp. Awards will also be mailed out 30 days after the race.

For more information about the race, pay a visit to the event's Facebook page.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️The Virtual Superhero CAPE 5K Run/Walk

The Family Violence Prevention Center in Xenia is organizing this 5K run and walk, now to be completed remotely. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and this race is just a part of the effort to continue the conversation surrounding this tough subject.

Participants who register for this 5K event by Tuesday, April 14, will also be gifted a free shirt. Those who register after this date will not receive a T-shirt. Registration costs $25 and will benefit the Family Violence Prevention Center.

The event can be completed any time on Saturday, April 25. Participants are encouraged to post their finish times and photos to the Family Violence Prevention Center’s Facebook page with the hashtag #FVPCSuperhero5K.

Eventually, the center plans to host a T-shirt pickup event on April 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information and to register for the event, pay a visit to runsignup.com.

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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RACES

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️COVID-19 Relief Races from Virtual Run Events

Apart from beating your fastest time, you can also sign up for a 5K that will benefit charities attempting to address issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Now, runners can sign up for 5Ks and other races that donate a portion or all of the proceeds to health care workers, food pantries and other organizations that work to combat these issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

All of these races can be signed up for by visiting virtualrunevents.com, and cover a variety of dates and times to meet your specific needs.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️runDisney Virtual 5K Series

For years, runDisney events have maintained an impressive popularity among every kind of runner and athlete. And now, these events are available to those who still want to don a pair of Mickey Mouse and get their miles in from the comfort of their home (or nearby running trails).

From June 1 to Aug. 31, runners will be able to sign up and participate in virtual runDisney events. Within this online community, runners will be able to submit their finish times for the 5K races and print out their certificates of completion.

For more information, and to sign up for a runDisney 5K, pay a visit to rundisney.com. Registration has not yet opened, therefore pricing is still unknown.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Virtual Pace Race Series

Especially for those training for future 5Ks, the Virtual Pace Race Series is a great resource and training tool. There are a myriad of themed races available for entry, and to be completed within your desired time range. There is no need to share your finishing times, and those who complete the races virtually will receive a race medal and bib.

Prices for participation in each race varies and a full list of open races can be found by visiting virtualpaceseries.myshopify.com.

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