Coronavirus turns KC road races into virtual events and charities feel the pinch
For Allen Conway of Basehor, a half-marathon is just about a perfect distance for a race.
A 13.1-mile course is challenging, but he was preparing to run his fourth half on April 4: Rock The Parkway. But after a citywide “stay at home” order from the city of Kansas City to stop the spread of the coronavirus, organizers were forced to postpone the race until Aug. 29, which can be a sweltering time of year.
Other options include applying race fees for one of three other KC Running Company events or taking part in a “virtual race.” Organizers will give would-be participants a race T-shirt, bib number and finishers medal, all of which race officials had purchased in preparation for the events.
“These five options, above, are the only options available and there are no deferrals or refunds for any reason as we have already incurred the costs associated with your registration for Rock the Parkway,” the KC Running Company wrote in an email to the more than 1,500 participants.
Conway believes there should be another choice.
“I think they pushed it far enough back that it doesn’t do any damage to them if they have to give some refunds,” Conway said. “And again, there’s nothing guaranteeing that even that date that they picked in August will be able to happen.”
It’s likely Conway won’t get his wish as nearly every race entry has language that outlines a no-refund policy.
Even if the stay-at-home order is lifted as planned on April 24 and the rescheduled Rock the Parkway and other races take place, organizers face challenges. Social distancing and self isolation are among the tools to combat the coronavirus, a direct opposite of tightly packed starting lines.
More than 35 running races are scheduled through May around Kansas City, and most have been postponed, canceled or turned into a “virtual race.” Race directors are feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their events.
Jadon’s Hope Bug Run 5K/10K, scheduled for Saturday in Olathe, will be a virtual race, race officials said earlier this month.
“We still had about 40 more sign up to support the Jadon’s Hope Foundation after the announcement,” race director Amy Vrban wrote in an email. “However, that’s about 200 less than what we would have normally seen if we didn’t have to turn it into a virtual race.”
The event benefits spinal muscular atrophy, so the drop in participation will be felt.
“With all the races in our area canceling, I hope that people see that support is still needed for all charities and organizations,” Vrban wrote. “They depend on donations to carry out their mission. Helping people is their mission. It’s troubling times for all of us on so many levels. I appreciate all the Bug Run participants and sponsors who continue to give back, support, and lend a hand to so many who need it. Now more than ever.”
The Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired gets a financial boost from the annual Trolley Run, a four-mile walk/run that is going to be held virtually on April 26. People can register through that date but they will have until June 30 to finish the four miles.
Officials are hopeful an coronavirus impact will be minimal for the race, which starts in Waldo and ends on the Plaza.
“Individual registrations have slowed since the COVID-19 mandate but — historically — the vast majority of Trolley Run participants register within 30 days of the event,” Tom Linafelt, a public-relations specialist who works with the Trolley Run, wrote in an email. “New advertising this week will encourage people to participate in our virtual run/walk, record their run/walk on social media using the #MyTrolleyRunDone hashtag, and still receive their T-shirt and medal.”
What is a virtual race? The Trolley Run described it as a way for people run or walk in their homes, neighborhoods or trails. It can’t be timed, but the swag from the races is given to participants.
Conway said he’ll keep in shape on his home treadmill, and that may have to suffice for his 13.1-mile Rock the Parkway race. That event is hosted by the KC Running Company, a private company that gives a portion of each entry fee to Children’s Mercy Hospital.
“Doing some stuff indoors and trying to do it that way for the time being,” he said last week. “I’m actually thinking about going to do a run here later if it’s warm enough. So yeah. Get outside, get a little fresh air.”
But like all other race competitors for at least the next month, he’ll be doing it alone.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
