A virtual Santa run spectacular will be the first event in the new series of races for the 2020-21 running season from Exeter City Community Trust.
Determined not to let their events be curtailed by coronavirus, and spurred on by the popularity of the virtual London Marathon earlier this month, the charity has decided to stage the event – which normally attracts more than 600 runners – over a week at the beginning of December.
There will be two distances – 2.5k and 5k – and people can choose when, where and how they take part. The only requirement is they have to dressed up in their best Christmas-themed outfits. All entrants will receive a race number, Santa hat and medal.
Pete Ferlie, CITY Community Trust race director, said: ‘This has been a difficult year for runners, whether that is people who run for fun, like many of the participants in our annual Santa Run, or the competitive entrants who enter our longer distance events.
‘We decided to go virtual with the Santa Run to give people something to train for, get them out enjoying their running and, the really fun part, experience the camaraderie of other runners taking part in the event. And they don’t have to run; they can walk, skip, jog, scoot, even paddleboard – the list is endless – just as long as they are moving and having fun. This will be a great event for schools, community groups, workplaces and other sports and running clubs to get involved in.’
There are plenty more events on offer next year, with something for runner of all abilities. All have a reserve date for later in the year, should they not be able to go ahead as planned. Additionally, all of the events will be delivered within covid-safety guidelines, compliant with guidelines from England Athletics and the government, and with the safety of runners as a priority.
Half Marathon weekend, 13 and 14 February, 2021, a firm favourite in runners’ calendars. The traffic-free, flat route along the footpaths and cycle tracks of the River Exe and through Riverside Valley Park make this a particularly appealing event for first time competitors and for those seeking a personal best.
Granite Way, 27 and 28 March, 2021. Choose from either 10 miles or 20 miles along the Granite Way cycle path, which heads out from the race headquarters at Okehampton Youth Hostel and follows the picturesque route across Dartmoor, looping back to the finish at Race HQ.
Exeter Live Better Marathon, one of our most popular running events and has grown year-on-year, selling out in 2020. The 2021 event takes place on Sunday 25 April, 2021. The flat, fast course, means it is ideal for both first time marathon runners, as well as those looking to achieve a personal best marathon time. The traffic-free, flat route follows the footpaths and cycle tracks of the picturesque River Exe and through Riverside Valley Park.
New for 2021 are the 10k and 25k River Runs, which take place along the paths beside the banks of the River Exe and through the beautiful Riverside Valley Park. The first race is the Exeter 10k River Run, which will take place on Sunday 9 May, 2021. This ideal for those new to taking part in running events, or who are looking to step up their training from 5k to 10k. And as you build your miles, the second race is Exeter 25k River Run, which will take place on Sunday 27 June, 2021. Hit the distances you need in preparation for the 2021 London Marathon or other autumn marathons, such as Dublin or New York, with these new races.
For more information, or to sign up, please click here
Comments