Is WE ACT’s Earth Day 5K still happening?

WE ACT’s Earth Day 5K is now a fully virtual fun run. This means that runners can still register and participate on their own, running or walking the 5K distance in a location of their choice and tracking it themselves. Each runner will receive a WE ACT t-shirt after a return to normalcy. We have decided to make the switch to a virtual race to maintain social distancing while still having fun, celebrating Earth Day, and supporting WE ACT.

What is a virtual race?

Despite the name, a virtual race is not “run” online or digitized in any way. It simply means a race that participants run (or walk!) at their convenience at a location and time of their choosing. Virtual races have been around for a few years at least and come in all shapes and sizes. For example, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Harlem Run has been doing virtual runs for their Monday Night Run series. NYCRUNS, the host of several major races in New York, is switching many of their upcoming runs to be virtual in response to the current pandemic. 

How can I safely participate?

If you choose to run or walk the race in your neighborhood, be sure to plan a route that will allow you to follow social distancing guidelines, and maintain at least a 6 foot distance between yourself and others. Prefer to stay indoors? No problem! We encourage participants to get creative. Set a goal and an activity that feels right for you, whether that's running, walking, yoga, or dancing in your living room. Share your creativity online with WE ACT by tagging us @weact4ej and using #EarthDay5K, or email your photo to doss@weact.org!
 

Why should I register for this event?

Support for community based organizations is needed now more than ever. By participating in this event, you will be doing more than just supporting your health or celebrating Earth Day's 50th Anniversary. You'll directly support WE ACT's work to develop climate resilience for frontline communities Uptown and across the US.

I haven’t registered yet. Do I still have to register and pay for this event?

Yes, there is a registration fee for the virtual event. Runners still receive a WE ACT t-shirt, and all proceeds go directly to support WE ACT’s crucial work.

I’m already registered. Now what?

Great! The next part is easy. if you're doing an indoor activity, just set a goal and choose a time that's convenient for you. Share your activity with us @weact4ej! If you're running or walking, follow these easy steps:

1. Plan your race day and time! Pick any day to run or walk during the week of Earth Day (Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 26). 

2. Plan your route! Find a location convenient for you, and plan your 5K course. We encourage all participants to practice social distancing by going solo and staying 6 feet away from others on their route.

3. Get prepared! To track your race time and distance, download Strava, a free GPS running app available from Google Play and the App Store, and set up your account.

4. Become a fundraising champion! Use your fundraising tools to spread awareness of Earth Day and WE ACT: share your race plans with friends and family, create a team, and post a race-day selfie on social media using the hashtag #EarthDay5K. 

5. Race day! On your race day, use the Strava app to record your 5K (3.1 mile) run. Send a screenshot of your time (and maybe a photo or two!) to the WE ACT team at doss@weact.org. After the race window is closed, WE ACT will announce the first place finisher, as well as top fundraising individual and team!

Will there still be a prize for fastest runner?

Yes! Participants interested in competing for the first place prize should download and use Strava during their race, and send a screenshot of their completed time to doss@weact.org during race week. Submissions MUST show 3.1 miles of distance completed to be eligible.

How do I track my distance and time my run?

To track your distance and time your run, download Strava, a free GPS run tracking app available from Google Play and the App Store. After setting up a free account, you will be able to use the app to track your race distance and time, and share it with the WE ACT team.

Will there still be a prize for top fundraising individual and top fundraising team?

Yes! Support for community based organizations is needed now more than ever. By participating and fundraising for this event, you will be doing more than just celebrating Earth Day's 50th Anniversary. You'll directly support WE ACT's work to develop climate resilience for frontline communities Uptown and across the US. The fundraising deadline is 9am, Monday, April 27th. 

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Email event organizer Sam Doss at doss@weact.org