FAQs (and some answers)

Several months ago, at the beginning of the stay-at-home mandates for this Covid-19 pandemic, we started having discussions concerning what to do about this year’s 5K. We were saddened as we watched many of our local run events either cancel or turn into virtual events. One of our team members even joked that maybe our August 1 run would be the “welcome back to freely moving about” event. We laughed, because it was, at that time, unfathomable that we would not be living our mostly normal lives by August.
Well, here we are.
Our amazing team has been working diligently to bring you the best possible event we can under the circumstances. Please check our Facebook page and website frequently as we roll out some pretty cool things over the next few weeks, and as we post instructions for all the different pieces of this virtual pie. Please read through the FAQs below. If you have questions you don’t see answered here, let us know.
Most of all, thank you for your continued support. The needs of our veteran community have not been put on pause during this pandemic. More than ever, we need to stand for these who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Please sign up now!

FAQs

What is a Virtual Run?

A virtual run is a convenient and flexible way to participate in a 5K on your own terms. Simply register online and choose your own date, time and course. How you complete the race is completely up to you! You can choose to go for a personal best, make it a leisurely walk, or run on a treadmill. You can even sit on the couch and imagine yourself running!

Depending on how you choose to create your experience, you can run as soon as you register, run on the original race day or any day in between. You can run on your own, with your family or with a small socially-distanced group. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about locating the porta potties!

Why is the run virtual only this year?

After much thought and consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision that this year’s 9th Annual Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count 5K will be a virtual-only event. Alongside our strong commitment to veterans, we maintain a strong commitment to the health and safety of our participants and volunteers. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancelling the in-person 5K was the only real decision to make

Why didn’t you just cancel the run for this year?

The 5K is a great experience for everyone involved! However, the most important outcome is raising funds to honor and assist our nation’s veterans. We are dedicated to creating a unique and rewarding virtual experience, and our hope is that everyone will understand that participating virtually will still be rewarding. It is a great way to have fun AND be part of providing for the health, rehabilitation, and reintegration of deserving veterans!

Will I still get a t-shirt with a virtual run?

Yes! The Spencer C Duncan Make It Count 5K wants you to have all the good things you have come to expect from our event. Registered participants in the virtual race will receive a t-shirt, bib and finisher’s dog tag. Veterans receiving free registration will still have the option to purchase and receive a shirt as part of their registration process.

Will I be able to submit my race time?

Yes! After completing your 5K run, you will be able to enter your time into the race tracker and see how you stack up against other participants. Watch for instructions on how to do this.

Will you still have a packet pick-up? How can I get my race packet?

We are still working on the details, but for those who are local we do plan to offer an option to pick up packets in a safe, socially-distanced way. For those who are out of town or choose not to pick up in person, we will have your race packet including your shirt, bib, and dog tag delivered to you.

Do you still need volunteer help?

With the reduced support needed on site, our core team of volunteers will be able to provide what is needed to manage the virtual run this year. We value all of those willing to help and hope to be back on-site next year with a full team of volunteers.

Can I still register my dog?

Absolutely! We would love to have your dog take part in your virtual race and be part of raising money for veterans. Dogs will still receive a bandanna, bib and finisher dog tag (or do you think they call them people tags?).

I love the race, but my favorite part is the experience of race day. Will you be doing anything else that I usually see at the race?

Yes! Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. We are working hard to re-create many of the things you have come to expect at our race, just in a way that you can experience them virtually.

What about next year?

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, August 7, 2021 for the 10th Annual Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count 5K. We are already busy making plans for this special anniversary. So, take care of yourselves and each other, register for this year’s virtual run, and plan to see us in person next year!