THUNDER BAY – The Firefighters Ten Mile Road Race is going to be a virtual event in 2021.
Organizers on Monday confirmed the event, which began in 1910, won’t be able to be held as a traditional road race on the Victoria Day weekend because of ongoing COVID-19 protocols.
The new format, which is scheduled for a one-year staging, will open registration to anyone in the region, across the country or around the globe.
“Participants will be responsible for selecting a safe 10-mile course anywhere of their choosing as well as following directives of Thunder Bay Regional Health Authority pertaining to masks, social distancing and gathering in groups and any other applicable directives,” said race director Herb Daniher in an email sent on Monday.
“The 10-mile distance would be completed on one of the days between Saturday, May 15 and Tuesday. May 25.”
Those who finish the race will be awarded virtual finishers medals.
There will be a slight change in format too.
“Unique to this version of the Fire Fighters Ten mile is that there is no three-hour time limit to complete the event. The only requirement is that the ten miles be completed in a continual manner whether your running or walking the 10-mile course,” Daniher said.
“This gives more people the option to complete the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Race which is not normally available. The committee thought this option was important and keeping the spirits up and the community active as the community battles COVID.”
To sign up, visit www.10mileroadrace.org.
The Firefighters virtual race won’t be alone in 2021.
Gary Young says for the second straight year, he’ll be holding a Virtual Victoria Day 10-Mile Challenge, the second straight year he’s hosted the event.
Runners are allowed to enter for free, with a request for donations.
“A total of 58 persons finished the first virtual 10 mile,” Young said in an email to Dougall Media.
“This year will be the second virtual Victoria day 10 mile race and the 88th timed and recorded Thunder Bay 10-Mile . This year the charity is St Joseph`s Foundation of Canada.”
More information is available at www.tb10milechallenge.com.
