March and April have been two really strange months for the majority of the United States. COVID-19, a novel virus traveled from across the globe landed in our hometown of Albany, Georgia. Business as normal came to an almost complete stand-still overnight, schools were closed, and we were all asked to go home and practice social distancing.
In our nation and around the world
Around the country, we saw venues empty of fans while teams competed. On the world scene, the Tokyo Marathon was held, but only with professional runners. No recreational runners were allowed due to the safety concerns of those gathering for large events. Soon sport’s programs from high school athletics, collegiate programs, the NBA and Major League Baseball, and everything in between canceled their seasons. The running community mourned cancellations and postponements from well-established events. The People’s Olympics, the Boston Marathon, was postponed until September, 14. Even the 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021.
On the local scene
On a local level, ground zero for all things running-related in Albany, Wild Side Running Store, closed temporarily due to the mandated closures of nonessential businesses. The community rallied to help the owners of Wild Side Running with a virtual 5K. The owner, Chris Phillips, and his family continuously support our community as runners, coaches, volunteers, as well as professional advice on shoes and gear. Wild Side is host to many local races during the calendar year and holds a group run every Tuesday evening that welcomes new runners and challenges everyone to have fun.
John and Kelli Kilpatrick 
T-Shirt and Finisher’s Medal 
Screenshot of 5K
Running community unites
John and Kelli Kilpatrick of Flatlander Sports spearheaded the community outreach, a local duo of race directors, timing company owners, and runners known for the fun they infuse into running organized the virtual 5K race. Local artist and Flint River Triathlete Club President, Madye Carter, designed amazing race t-shirts to boost the participants’ swag for their involvement.
The Stay TF (ten feet) Away Virtual 5K was scored by the submissions of screenshots from programs like Strava or Garmin Connect. Results were then grouped according to designated age groups and posted like a standard 5K. Finisher medals were hand-delivered in mailboxes for the local participants and the out of town runners received theirs in the mail.
The virtual 5K had a two-pronged effect on the running community. The first was obvious, benefitting the Phillips’ family and Wild Side Running, but the second was how the race acted as a catalyst moving people out the door. Kelli and John described inspiring stories of how this virtual 5k helped multiple people find their way back into running. Their desire to participate in local 5K races was constant but were hesitant to put themselves and their fitness on display in a standard road race. In the comfort of their neighborhood or treadmill they proved to themselves they could do it without any outside pressure. Even better, they are excited to continue their running. So many good things in a time where we need even more.
Now that is one successful 5K and a perfect way to make it a FunRunDay!