RICHMOND, Va. -- Thousands of runners planned to take part in the 21st annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K Saturday, but the 10K was rescheduled for Sept. 26 because of COVID-19 outbreak.
However, hundreds of folks tackled their own 6.2-mile route and then shared pics using #10KAnyway on social media.
Officials with Sports Backers, the organization that puts on the beloved event, were thrilled to see so many people taking part.
"Really to connect with each other through walking, through running, through activity, and then connecting through social media using the hashtag. Sports Backers P.R. and Communications Manager Pete Woody said. "What we're trying to do right now is encourage people to be active, to be healthy, to be mentally and physically healthy through activity. So this was a fun way to do that today. "
Click here to check out ways to stay active while gyms from Sports Backers.
Runners still finding release on the road during coronavirus
Runners across the country are still running. Some are even running more than usual.
They're still able to hit the trails and pavement even while gyms have closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Software engineer Henry Ton of suburban Phoenix organized a small running group he jokingly calls his “Social Distance Distance Running Club."
Some runners have opted to run solo while others are still running in small groups and trying to practice social distancing.
Dallas sports cardiologist Benjamin Levine says continuing to run has physical and psychological benefits but suggests those running with others should likely double the recommended six feet of social distancing.