Fort HealthCare's Summer Series Virtual 5K 2022
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Fort HealthCare is once again excited to offer a 5k Summer Walk/Run Series that will begin in May 2022 and will finish in September of 2022. A total of 5 races will be offered, all virtually, and will be free for participants to register. These races will be offered one time per month and participants of all ages are encouraged to register for as many races as they’d like during the series. To sign up, visit FortHealthCare.com/class/virtual5k
This series, themed “Mid-Month 5K”, will take place between the 10th and 20th of each month (hence mid-month). It is the hope that with a longer timeframe, participants will find more opportunity to complete one or more 5k distance runs.
Once registered, participants will pick at least one day, time and route during the race timeline and complete their 3.1 miles. Once completed, they will submit proof to Fort HealthCare via email, and their time will be recorded. Having the freedom to pick the day, time and route for this series is a unique component of a virtual race series and is one of the best parts. Barbara Schmitt has participated since the inaugural race in May of 2020 and writes, “I look forward to doing the Virtual 5k’s. I love the fact that I can decide the day and time to complete them AND go at my own pace. It really encourages me to get out each day and walk so I am ready for the next 5k.”
As an incentive, each race that is completed will equal one entry into a drawing that will take place in September after the series is completed. The prizes for the drawing will include gift cards to local businesses and participants that do all 5 races will receive 5 entries. All ages are eligible to participate and win.
The virtual 5k series has given motivation to over 1,900 walkers and runners alike since the program started in May of 2020. Since then, the program has continued to build and connect participants during a tumultuous time in the world. Race participant Angie Adler writes “The virtual 5K Series is a fun way to challenge myself during COVID. Also, I feel accomplished after crossing the “finish line”.
Participants in this series can do the races alone, or with friends and family—similar to an in-person race, and this can help with accountability and additional motivation. Amelia Schave, another previous race participant, writes “I love that the 5k series gives me the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with my friends and family! Having a deadline on when to get them done by, really keeps me motivated to do them! Doing these series (runs) have really made me get back on track to working out more on a regular basis!”
The Summer Virtual 5k Series is congruent to the Fort HealthCare Mission and Vision, which is [to] “Improve the health and well-being of our community” and to ultimately “Be the healthiest community in Wisconsin”. By offering opportunities such as the Summer Virtual 5k Series, individuals are motivated to see how their health affects the overall population and to continue to push the dial forward towards that vision.
More information and instructions about how to participate in these races by visiting the Virtual 5k webpage, which is located at FortHealthCare.com/wellness/challenges/virtual-5k-series. If using social media to share progress and positivity, players are invited to use the hashtag #HealthiestHereWeCome in their posts and to tag @FortHealthCare.