STRIDE has announced that they have partnered with Road Runner Sports, the world’s largest running and walking store, to host a national virtual race June 3, 2020, which is Global Running Day. Registration is now open through May 31 for a $35 entry fee, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Feeding America®. Those who sign up will receive a downloadable bib number, branded t-shirt, finish line photo and participation medal along with a training plan from STRIDE and access to the brand’s “Go the Distance While You Keep Your Distance” Facebook Page, which offers daily running, strength training, and recovery workouts.
“I’ve been in the running business a long time—37 years—and I’ve seen the industry change dramatically with the times,” said Mike Gotfredson, CEO and founder of Road Runner Sports. “That’s why I believe virtual races like the one we’re creating with STRIDE are a big part of the future of running. It’s a fun, safe way for runners and walkers all over America and the world to connect.”
With social distancing guidelines still in effect in most states, runners and walkers across the nation can sign up to run a 5K or 10K distance by themselves indoors on a treadmill or outdoors on a street, track, beach or trail. On race day, participants will submit a photo of their treadmill or screenshot from their tracking device that shows their distance and pace, as well as a photo of themselves at the “finish line” via STRIDE’s custom race day landing page. STRIDE will then livestream these posts on the landing page and share all of the photos through social media to commemorate everyone’s success.
“With so many big races cancelled across the country due to coronavirus, we are excited to partner with Road Runner Sports to give runners a safe event to train for and participate in,” said Jeff Stokes, President of STRIDE. “This virtual race is truly for everybody. You can walk, jog or run the distance inside or outside, however you are most comfortable, and celebrate with thousands of other runners across the nation when you finish.”
While STRIDE has temporarily closed its studios’ doors during the current pandemic, running has seen a boom in popularity as it’s one of the few activities that allows people to get outside and exercise in a safe manner.
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