The annual Bradford City Runs event which usually takes place in the autumn has been transformed this year by going virtual.
Bradford council’s Community Sports & Activities Development Unit has launched Virtual Bradford City Runs 2020.
The aim is to encourage those who would normally take part in the Bradford city centre running event and those who normally would not, to run the race in their local area instead and raise money for local causes.
Virtual Bradford City Runs is sponsored by Living Well – a healthy living initiative for Bradford residents, which takes place between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November 2020.
There is a choice of two distance options which are 5K and 10K, for children there is a one-mile race for under 11-year olds.
Participants can decide which distance to run and they can choose their own route for them complete at a time that is convenient for them during the last week of October.
They hope that families will find Virtual Bradford City Runs a fun activity to take part in. The event takes place during October half term school holidays. Organisers are encouraging children to dress up in Halloween fancy dress for their run and send a photo to the organisers, followed by a prize that will be given for best outfit.
The event is loved by many and would have brought thousands of running enthusiasts from all over the region, but due to Coronavirus it cannot take place the usual way.
With local restrictions in place across the Bradford district, it is hoped that runners will stick to the rules in place and only run with those from their own household or social bubble.
To enter the run, entrants need to sign up via the Bradford City Runs website. Entry costs £12 per adult and £4 per child with a contribution from each fee going to the Lord Mayors Appeal and the Plastic Surgery & Burns Research Unit.
Runners that can show they have completed a virtual race will be eligible for a T-shirt and a medal. More details on how to do this can be found when entering at www.bradfordcityruns.co.uk
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said:
‘I’m so pleased a version of the Bradford City Runs event can go ahead this year after all. I hope people of all ages will sign up and run in their local parks and neighbourhoods and raise money for good causes in the process.
Ferriby said, “It has always been a popular event for Bradford residents and I’m glad it has been adapted so runners can still take part in their own way and have fun.”
“I would like to thank our partners, sponsors and everyone involved for their hard work and making Virtual Bradford City Runs happen.”
