Run Garioch event moves to virtual format
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Organisers of the Run Garioch event have changed this year's format into a virtual challenge.
There was optimism from the race committee that it would be able to welcome runners to Inverurie on Sunday, May 16, but with restrictions still in place it has taken the decision to make it an online event.
Last year's event was scheduled for March but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was moved to September but that was also put off.
Instead of postponing it for a third time the organisers have launched the Go Green for Garioch virtual event.
It will be held from midnight on Friday, May 7 until 11.59pm on Sunday, May 16, and during that time participants can run their distance at a time and location of their choosing.
There is also a community focus to the event and runners and any family and friends supporting them are encouraged to wear green, which is the colour of the Garioch Sports Centre.
A spokesperson for the Run Garioch Race Committee said in a statement: "We were optimistic that we would be in a position to welcome everyone to Inverurie this May.
"The start of the vaccination programme gave us further hope that ‘normal’ life wasn’t too far away, as did the First Minister’s revised Framework, published a few weeks ago.
"But as time moves on, restrictions on mass participation events continue and travel restrictions are still in place, the race committee doesn’t believe there is any way Run Garioch can go ahead as planned in what is now just under nine weeks time.
"And so, rather than postpone Run Garioch for a third time, the race committee has decided on a more positive course of action: to turn this year’s Run Garioch into a virtual community-focused event.
"The first – and hopefully only – Virtual Run Garioch will take place from midnight on Friday, May 7, and continue until 11.59pm on Sunday, May 16.
"During that time you should run your race distance – not necessarily your actual race route – at a time and location of your choosing. You can run on your own, or with others, subject to whatever restrictions are in place on the day."
When runners have completed their race they will be able to submit their times through the website of the event's timing partners, FRS. More details about how to do this will be announced closer to the event.
The spokesperson added: "To help bring our community together over the 10 days of our virtual event, we’ve chosen the theme of Go Green for Garioch.
"To get into the spirit of the challenge, we’d love you, and any friends and family supporting you, to wear something green – the colour of the Garioch Sports Centre – while completing your virtual race.
"The Run Garioch T-shirt you received in your race pack last March is ideal. You can also wear your race number to get you even more in the mood to give it your best."
Participants are also encouraged to share photos of their races on the event's social media accounts which are @rungarioch on Twitter and Run Garioch on Facebook and can use #gogreenforgarioch.
There will be prizes for the best photos on the theme of green, which will be announced in due course.
At the end of the 10-day race window, Run Garioch medals will be available from the Garioch Sports Centre and other venues around Inverurie. Runners outwith the local area can get in touch with the committee to make arrangements for collection or delivery.
"While it wasn’t an easy decision to take Run Garioch virtual, we believe that holding a springtime event in some form will have a very positive impact on our community," said the spokesperson.
"We believe our runners will benefit both physically and mentally from having a realistic, achievable fitness goal to work towards in the near future.
"We believe our charities, community partners and the Garioch Sports Centre will benefit from having an opportunity to fundraise and remind everyone of the good work they do.
"We believe our sponsors and patrons will benefit from the continued recognition of their much-valued support of the event.
"Thank you as always for your support of Run Garioch, and, with it, your support of the Garioch Sports Centre, our charity partners, and the good causes in your local community who benefit from the funds we raise."
For more information about taking part in the event visit www.rungarioch.co.uk
