After I started to see some of the spring races getting cancelled I assumed Derby Marathon would soon follow. My original thought was to create a social distance marathon/half-marathon, to run from Seneca Park to Iroquois and back for the full marathon. I reached out to friend to brainstorm some ideas. We quickly concluded it just wasn't feasible. A virtual run was suggested and here we are.

I needed a way to keep my training plan on track. I was 14 weeks into my current marathon program and working for a BQ (missed by 1:27 last marathon). Which is only about 3 seconds per mile. My current training is still going great. This week I will hit 90 miles and start to taper. I am still going to run the marathon distance on or around April 25, and shoot for a PR. Even though it won't be eligible for a BQ, I will come out of marathon season into the summer in great shape. Hopefully we will be back on track for some road racing by the fall.

We started a Facebook group and website to challenge the entire running and fitness community to keep their fitness goals on track and raise some money for a great cause. The Restaurant Workers Relief Fund by the Lee Initiative. I have many friends who work in the restaurant industry.

I have become very passionate about running after my first marathon in 2017. I enjoy good food almost as much as I enjoy running.

See below or click here on how to support the Lee Initiative and The Race to Beat Covid-19.

To benefit The Restaurant Workers Relief Fund by the Lee Initiative

As we know, all of our spring races have been cancelled or postponed. Our mission is to challenge the entire running and fitness community to stay on track with their spring training goals, at the same time help those in need during this time of crisis.

We have partnered with the Lee Initiative to help raise money for the Restaurant Workers Relief Fund.
The Race to Beat Covid-19 is a virtual marathon/half-marathon which not only gives runners the chance to run a race distance they were already training for, but also gives them the opportunity to help our food service workers.
The Race to Beat Covid-19 can be run anytime, anywhere even at home on a treadmill. Please complete your run before May 31.

HOW THIS WORKS

It's simple!

Decide your race distance (Safety first! Run alone, or, if you run with a few people, keep a safe distance!
Go to the Lee Initiative Donation Page. Make a donation to the Restaurant Workers Relief Fund by the Lee Initiative. It's for a great cause! (If you can't afford to donate, you can still participate in this virtual run).
Then click Submit, and be sure to select Race To Beat COVID-19 on the Special Program Affiliation, and complete your donation.
Then, after you run your race, go to our Race To Beat COVID-19 Facebook Group Page and proudly post your race length and time! Go and join the Group Page now to stay in the loop with your fellow runners!

SHARE THIS WITH EVERY RUNNER YOU KNOW!

THE CHARITY

Due to the closure of restaurants across America, thousands of restaurant workers have an urgent need for assistance. Independent restaurants are at the center of the vibrant growth in America. For the past decade, we have relied on the convivial and dynamic hospitality of the independent restaurant scene to make this a city that we are incredibly proud of.
Restaurant workers need your help more than ever. It is vital that we offer relief to those in need, so after this crisis restaurants can return to their full vibrancy.
In partnership with Makers Mark and Chef Edward Lee, The Lee Initiative has turned restaurants across the country into relief centers with local chefs for any restaurant worker who has been laid off or has had a significant reduction in hours and/or pay. They are offering help for those in need of food and supplies. Each night, they will pack hundreds of to-go meals that people can come to pick up and take home.

Click here for more details on how to participate.