If you are an avid runner or just a casual jogger, you may be feeling dismayed that many races, including big races like the Beach to Beacon, have cancelled. With the continuing uncertainty surrounding restrictions due to COVID-19, many organizations that sponsor road races around Maine have grappled with how to handle the blow to their industry. Races in Gorham are no different; while a few are waiting for the restrictions to lift, others are moving to the virtual platform.
Tony Myatt, owner of Pine Tree Race Services, explained that a virtual race, put simply, is when a racer registers, runs on their own (or socially distant with a companion), and submits his or her time times to the race director once completed. The race director then compiles and posts results.
Myatt is the director of many races including the Gorham 4-Miler and the Stephen Ward 9/11 Memorial 5K. Both have opted for the virtual format. The Gorham 4-Miler, which was held on June 18, typically attracts between 30 and 50 runners. Myatt said this year only 10 participated.
Looking ahead, the Stephen Ward 9/11 Memorial 5K, which supports a scholarship fund for a Gorham High School student, is going to try something different with both the fundraising and the race in general. Susan Moore and Katie Ward, Ward’s sisters, started this race 10 years ago as a celebration of their brother’s life. Unfortunately COVID-19 has derailed plans for its tenth anniversary, but that is not stopping the sisters from keeping the tradition going with a virtual race.
Ward said, “First and foremost, our decision is made to mitigate health risks and keep everyone safe. Secondly, we do not want to ask for corporate sponsorships this year as we fully understand that our community’s businesses are struggling financially in light of the coronavirus pandemic.”
Ward and Moore are doing something a little different. They are reaching out to each of their corporate donors, who have generously supported the fundraising efforts over they past nine years, to inform them that they will all be “honorary 2020 sponsors.” “We will be sending a letter/email out soon to thank them all for their support and to let them know that we will highlight each of them on our Facebook page in the weeks leading up to the race,” Ward shared. Donation forms will still be sent with the letter and while any are appreciated, the sisters understand the situation for small businesses in Gorham.
Ward and Moore are hoping for strong participation this year despite it being a virtual race. They decided registration fees (normally $25) will be $20 for racers, who can register through the Stephen Ward Memorial 5K Facebook page.
“As always, 100% of the registration fees will go directly to the Stephen G. Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund, given annually to a deserving Gorham High School graduate,” Ward confirmed.
The women are hopeful to make the best of this year’s situation: continue to honor their brother Stephen, and raise some money for the scholarship fund. “For now, we look forward to days where we will be able to safely gather, celebrate, dine, be entertained, and support one another in the amazing way the people of this community have done for all the years we have been blessed to be a part of it,” Ward expressed.
And they look forward to planning the 2021 event which will be the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America.
The Burn off The Turkey 5K put on by the Gorham Recreation Department is holding off on a decision regarding the race. Recreation Director Cindy Hazelton said, “We have not considered any changes right now as we have no idea what the CDC will recommend by November,” she said. While they know that gathering for the race may look different, there are still hopes that the race will go on in person.
Like many other sports, the running world is no different when looking ahead to the future of races. The health of the participants is of the utmost importance while still, for some, trying to raise money for their causes and also incorporating some fun.