The 'race must go on' say event organisers as Rotherham 10K goes virtual to support Age UK.
On Sunday 17 May, residents across Rotherham will be able to take part in the charity race from their own front door and will help to raise £10,000 to support elderly people in the borough.
The annual Rotherham 10K race and fun run is organised by Rotherham Harriers & AC, local running groups and Rotherham Council, to encourage residents to get healthy and raise money for good causes.
This year, the organisers have been working hard to see how best they can support Age UK Rotherham during lockdown while keeping participants safe. Due to the success of the recent London Marathon fund raising, organisers have decided to host a virtual race through social media.
People can either run 10K on the day of the race or walk/run 1K a day starting on Friday 8 May finishing on the 17 May, allowing everyone to be in it together.
Chairman of the Rotherham 10K Steve Gaines, said: “ I know how disappointed we were when we had to cancel the 2020 Rotherham 10K planned for Sunday 17 May.
“In an attempt to provide the people of Rotherham with a way to keep fit, active and healthy during the difficult times of the lockdown period, and more importantly to enable the event charity, Age UK Rotherham, to continue to deliver its work to help some the vulnerable members of society in these difficult times; the committee has decided to organise a virtual 10K event.”
However you complete your 10K, either by running or walking, all in one go or over a number of shorter runs, keep friends and family up to date by sharing pictures of your efforts on social media.
For every person who takes part and posts their daily exercise with the hashtag #10Kfor10K, organisers will send a digital certificate and those who complete their 10K and donate to Age UK Rotherham with a suggested donation of £10 will have the opportunity to receive a medal.
Rotherham Council’s Head of Creative Programming and Engagement, Leanne Buchan, said: “During these difficult times, charities need our support more than ever so they can continue to do the essential work they do to support the most vulnerable people in our communities. The Rotherham 10K has been a huge success over the last few years and has encouraged so many people across the borough to put on their running shoes and do something for charity.
“The lockdown has meant that we are no longer able to host a public race, but we know that residents still want to do their bit which is why we have decided to use our social media channels to host the race instead. Now everyone can get involved in a way that suits them.”
Age UK Rotherham’s Ambassador, Ray Mathews, said: “The Rotherham 10K, Fun run and Schools challenge race had to be abandoned this year. But to see the people of all ages in Rotherham, lace up their running shoes and complete The Virtual Rotherham 10K would be amazing.
“Help us to not only provide much needed funding but support for Age UK Rotherham. This Lockdown has hit the ageing population of Rotherham hard, emphasis on protecting the elderly has had a massive impact on the resources of Age UK Rotherham. Please help by taking part and supporting.
“It’s not just about raising funds for an important charity it’s also about getting people active, with this being one of the five ways to wellbeing, so we will be posting links to pages for fitness tips, couch to 5K programmes, links to local running clubs that you could join once this is over.
“We hope that everyone will get on board with the race and we can’t wait to see pictures of people getting out there and getting active.”