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Factory Sports Virtual 5k

April 23, 2020

Social Distancing meets Social Connection in the form of a Virtual 5k. The 3.1 mile race, which is to be run by an individual on their time, is “designed to bridge the gap between social distancing and social connection”, said Brad Leinbach, Program Director at Factory Sports. “The world, not only Sussex County, is experiencing such an unfortunate pandemic. We met as a team and wanted to find a way for our Factory Sports families to stay connected, stay healthy, and stay competing”, added Leinbach. 

Leinbach went on to describe a few fun things that will take place on social media with regards to the Virtual 5k; “We are asking participants to challenge their friends and family to compete in this race. They can do so by tagging Factory Sports on Facebook or Instagram and then simply call out an individual to run in the race. We even created two fun hashtags to utilize during the race - #5kSocialDistance and #FactorySports5k”. 

In the Factory Sports Virtual 5k, competitors are expected to run a 5k (3.1 miles) in one outing, similar to a standard 5k road race. Race results will be compiled and posted for participants to see. Runners are able to run the race as many times as they wish, but Factory Sports asks that you only submit the results that you want published. 

Results can be emailed to brad@factorysportsde.com and/or posted via Facebook or Instagram utilizing a run tracking app. Registration is open for the race now. The actual virtual race will begin Monday, April 13 and will conclude on Sunday, April 26. Again, runners can submit their score at any time between the start and finish of the race.

Participants in the Factory Sports Virtual 5k will receive:

  • Finishers Certificate
  • Finishers Medal

Register Here

“For those who participate in the Virtual 5k, challenge friends and family, and post on social media we have additional swag for them”, says Leinbach. For those who were challenged, they are being asked to submit the name of the individual who challenged them when they register. “We are hoping our game of social media tag and race challenges results in helping those who need it most during this COVID-19 outbreak”, stated Leinbach. For those individuals who are noted in the registration form, Factory Sports will donate $5 towards the Beebe Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. For each time an individuals name is noted in the registration process, Factory Sports will donate another $5. 

Runners will receive their finishing packet from Factory Sports approximately 2 weeks after the race is over. “We are currently exploring options to safely and effectively ensure that race participants receive their finishing swag. This could be in the form of limited and/or multiple pick-up times outside of our facility or even delivery of the finishing packets”. 

Factory Sports has been a part of the Lewes community since the summer of 2014. 

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