A different approach ... Same goals

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the routines of many, including those who may run for recreation and fitness.

Also affected has been some of the running events that take place around the area, significantly the Mercer Health 5K Challenge, which encouraged runners to compete at 5K events held around Mercer County from June to August.

While most of the races have been canceled when the corresponding festival was canceled, there is still a chance to run and help the Challenge.

Runners are encouraged to take part in a virtual challenge where they run by themselves and submit times each week.

"We had planned to go forth and see if we could salvage the races - maybe have the July races because Zuma Fest and Country Fest had already canceled," said Kathy Gonzalez, who is coordinating the virtual challenge with Deanna Davis. "I had someone mention to me if we wanted to do a virtual challenge. At the time, we were still trying to keep the live races going, but as we went on and more festivals canceled, things starting falling apart.

"If you're a runner, you saw races that were happening during quarantine turn into virtual races. … One person said their company would still give them health points for their health insurance if they did virtual races."

Keeping the Challenge going is personal to Gonzalez.

"My husband and I have been doing the Challenge since 2007. We run every summer," said Gonzalez. "The thought of not doing anything would be a disappointment to those who run the Challenge every summer. … We can still stay connected through our running community. Part of the goal for the Challenge is to promote health and fitness. Certainly, (with) the things that have happened during (the pandemic) - anxiety, depression and people getting sick - you're much better keeping your immune system strong by exercising. It seemed like a good way to go."

The format of the Virtual Challenge begins with registering at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Coldwater/BuzzardsGlory5k. Runners then can run a 5K (5,000 meters, or 3.1 miles) each week and submit their times. Runners have to post their times within seven days of the date of the originally scheduled race.

"You're in charge of keeping the distance. People have smart watches or their phone. It is on the honor system," said Gonzalez. "We're asking people who use social media to post the hashtag #MercerHealth5KChallenge to get that community spirit going, but that's not a necessity. Runners then submit the results and we'll keep track of the times. … You could be on vacation in Wisconsin and run a 5K to complete our challenge. One good thing about the Challenge is that it can match your schedule when you want to run."

Runners can choose to run the 5K however they like - it does not have to be the course used at each event. Runners have the option to run all seven races virtually or run the first six races virtually and compete live at the Buzzards Glory 5K in Coldwater on Aug. 1, which is still on schedule.

"Our goal is that we can all finish (the Challenge) together (at Coldwater) if (runners) choose to," said Gonzalez. "We're aware that some people aren't ready to be in a big group, so they have the option to do it all virtual. We were going to do chip timing (where the runners wear a device attached to a bib or an article of clothing) that tracks your time. The nice thing about chip timing is we can stagger the runners (starting groups at different times) so no matter where you start, your finish time will be consistent. We'll still be able to keep some distancing."

Those that compete in all seven races will receive a patriotic-designed Mercer Health 5K Challenge shirt.

All proceeds from the race will be divided among the seven communities that take part in the Challenge.

"We don't anticipate it to be a high number (of proceeds), but it's a way to keep that non-profit feel and the energy of raising money toward your local community," said Gonzalez.

Mercer Health 5K Virtual Challenge Schedule:

Competitors have seven days from the date of the scheduled race to submit their times.

June

20  Zuma 5K (Montezuma)

27  Country Fest 5K (Maria Stein)
July

5  Redskin 5K (St. Henry)

11  Shane's Crossing 5K (Rockford)

18  St. Clair 5K (Fort Recovery)

25  Lake Festival 5K (Celina)
August

1  Buzzards Glory 5K (Coldwater)