Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the first spring season for Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona has been canceled. But while the celebratory 5K run at Cottonwood Community School won’t be able to go on as originally planned, it will still go on.
On Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m., the participants [ranging from third to fifth grade] and their running buddies will partake in a virtual run. That can be in any location where the runners and their families feel safe, whether it’s in a public venue like a park or on the sidewalk, or by using indoor equipment, such as a treadmill.
As a runner, Council Director for Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona Stephanie Edgerton immediately
shifted her attention to holding a virtual run when it became apparent that an in-person run would not be plausible. However, she also knew that just because it was her “automatic knee-jerk” reaction, the rest of the members of the board wouldn’t necessarily feel the same way. But when the conversation was had, Edgerton found plenty of agreement.
“Everyone seemed to be on board,” Edgerton said. “It was a way to keep the enthusiasm going for any of the girls whose families are still paying attention. To give them something to look forward to.”
Given that a good portion of the spring season was not completed, the participants can choose their own running buddies. Runners are additionally encouraged to run at their own pace, or what Edgerton called “their happy pace.”
In hopes of getting as many people as possible to run with and support the girls, registration for the event is free. Anyone participating will receive a vintage T-shirt from a previous year’s race.
Edgerton noted that keeping events like this going in some manner is especially important in a time of social distancing with little to no face-to-face interaction with other people.
“Even when they [the participants] are doing something on their own, knowing that other people are doing it at the same time gives a sense of community,” she added. “And that’s really important,
now more than ever.”
Anyone who wishes to participate must first register at GOTRNA.org. Registration is open until Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m.
More information about the virtual run can be found at the website or by following Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona on Facebook or Instagram.
Update: This story has been updated to reflect that registration is free. Previously it was listed at $20.
