The Great Social Distancing Race

Out of concern for public safety and the recommendations of health officials, we have cancelled the 2020 Rotary Club of Los Gatos Great Race on April 19. However, we are excited to offer an alternative safe event during the absence of any group activities in the next 3-4 weeks: The Great Social Distancing Race. In ordinary times, we have always felt virtual races have been the refuge of race directors who don’t want to put in the work. However, these are not ordinary times and we thought people would enjoy an opportunity to do something semi-organized in a safe environment.

Our virtual race allows you to run 4 miles in a venue and at a time of your choice prior to May 1. Time and distance verification is encouraged through Strava, Garmin, or Asics Runkeeper for which you were all sent an email for a free download when you registered for the Great Race. However, it is not required and the honor system will be respected.

Bibs can be mailed out for virtual race participants for $5 and we will have medals for the top 3 finishers in each age group. We have also added the following categories in which the top 3 finishers will be recognized.

• Stroller Division
• Dog Division

When you are ready to enter and/or upload your time, please go to https://results.raceroster.com/results/fmhnzr34ecdeqkgf and it will ask for your name and confirmation number. If you want to be entered into the Stroller or Dog division, please select that option when posting results. You can update your time as many times as you like before May 1. A good month to improve on your speed!

Photos encouraged! Upload to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #rotarygreatracefinisher. Make sure you make it public. Special prize for the best race photo!

All current Great Race participants who opt for the virtual race will receive an automatic $10 discount for the 2021 Great Race next April.

Funds raised from The Great Race each year are directed to the Rotary Club of Los Gatos Scholarship Foundation and Charities Foundation for local and global projects. Without this event, funds for the foundations will be severely limited. Participation in the virtual race will allow some of the scholarships to be awarded and many projects to continue.

If you do not wish to participate in The Great Social Distancing Race, there are other options for 2020 registered participants. Please let race director know which would work best for you.

• Refund
• Deferral to 2021 Great Race
• Registration fee donated to Rotary to be directed to Scholarship and Charities Foundations (letter will be sent indicating full amount paid for tax purposes)

We thank you for your support and encourage everyone to be safe and stay active and positive for the next 3-4 weeks.