As the world needs some solidarity this week, Quad Cities race directors, Phil Young and Josh Sherrod talk about how the running community is coming together today for Global Running Day with the Fleet Feet/Brooks: My Big Run and The Microbrew Mile event this month. With the success of Fleet Feet’s Fanny Pack Frenzy 5k in April, Young knows that as fun as virtual runs have been, the running community is chomping at the bit to get some real races back as soon as it’s safe.
“The timing was great,” said Young. “We needed to engage a community of runners that were frustrated and didn’t know what to do next.” And with My Big Run today where you can run one-mile, a 5K, 10K half-marathon or full marathon, Young knows that the QC running support has always been there and hopes it will continue to be long after this virtual world passes. “I think you’ll have people sign up because they always do it and they want to support that event,” explained Young. “And they know the race director or things like that.”
As for Sherrod, this would have been the seventh year for his Microbrew Mile that usually takes over downtown Moline in late June. Going virtual was inevitable but still a tough decision for him. “This year was going to kind of be our big year,” explained Sherrod. “This would have been our first year with the finisher medals and the first year with the kid’s race.” And he also knows that with all the races going virtual lately, choosing one can also be a challenge. “I think we’re getting into that downward phase because there are just so many of them, it’s hard to choose what you want.”
As June and July have pretty much went all virtual for runs, August and beyond seem hopeful for some traditional running events again. And whenever that first time back at the starting line may be, they both will be there ready to welcome everyone back, one mile at a time. “The first notable event that gets to be hosted,” said Young. “Even with precautions measures, waves or whatever needs to happen, is going to be big and it will be a lot of fun.”
For more information or to register for the My Big Run visit, www.fleetfeet.com/thebigrun
For more information or to register for the Microbrew Mile visit, www.microbrewmile.com/the-race
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