Together Apart PGH Virtual 5K allows socially distanced race

Pittsburgh runners can lace up for a new 5K experience this summer.

With the annual Community Footrace series canceled because of covid-19, the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events raced to organize a new Together Apart PGH Virtual 5K.

The Office of Special Events teamed up with five community footraces to provide an opportunity for runners to enjoy a race without the crowds.

“A lot of those 5Ks are funding sources for the communities that they’re in, so we wanted to do something that would help mitigate the loss of fundraising those communities would experience,” Brian Katze, manager of the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events, said.

Proceeds will be divided among the participating communities, Katze said.

The event will run from July 15 through Aug. 15, which event organizers have dubbed “Race Month.” During Race Month, runners can opt to run one of five traditional 5K courses, a brand-new course called “Greenfield Glide,” or a 3.1-mile route of their own creation.

With the new format, participants can run whenever and wherever suits them best.

“Most of the routes that these 5Ks would normally use have sidewalks and can still be run without the roads being closed. [Runners] can still go out and run the course they would’ve run,” Katze said. “It gives them an opportunity to feel like they’re still participating in the tradition.”

To keep the competitive spirit of these races alive, runners are encouraged to record their times and upload them to the race website, he said.

Because times are self-reported, Katze said they can’t reward top times.

The point of the virtual race, Katze said, is to avoid large crowds — but that may mean some participants will miss feeling like part of the community. He suggested running with family or a small group that can abide by social distancing requirements.

“Even though it’s hard to feel like you’re a part of the bigger picture when you’re doing something alone, it’s a great way to keep the spirit of these traditions alive and bring a sense of normalcy in your own life,” Katze said.

For those who aren’t quite ready to tackle a full 5K, there are shorter family-friendly routes available through Brookline, the Hill District and Regent Square.

Runners can register online now through July 31. The virtual 5K costs $15 and registered runners will get a commemorative race shirt sent in the mail.

The Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race and Dollar Bank Junior Great Race will also transition to virtual formats, Katze said. These races will take place in September. Participants will receive a commemorative shirt and medal.

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