Not canceled: Charity run has legs in both digital and actual worlds

A popular charity race is bridging the gap between virtual and actual participation.

Much of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio’s annual Race for Kids – normally held at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – will take place online this year. There’s a wrinkle: Participants will still be doing either a 5k run or a 1-mile walk – but at a course and time of their own choosing.

BGCNEO President and CEO Jeff Scott said the timing is right for such an event.

“By giving folks the flexibility to do their run or walk wherever they choose over a period of a couple weeks, we can have a fun event that also keeps our participants and their families safe,” Scott said. Here’s how the race will work this summer: Those registering at www.bgcneo.org will be mailed an official race T-shirt ahead of the event. They will be encouraged to wear the T-shirt in social media posts or during the run or walk, which can be completed anytime between June 13 and June 27. Competitors can post their times if they wish and post on a race Facebook page.

Celebrity race ambassadors will be encouraging participants via video messages.

Early bird registration for individuals is $20 and $50 for families, Regular registration, which begins June 1, is $25 for individuals and $60 for families. Those who want to contribute without running or walking can choose a fundraising-only option.

All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, which provides safe, fun places for kids to go after school and during the summer. The Clubs focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. In 2019, an average of nearly 2,000 kids a day attended a Club.

Race for Kids sponsors are CFNA, Third Federal Foundation, Saint-Gobain, Fox Sports Ohio, and James P. Anderson DDS.