A MetroWest Nonprofit Mounts 'Virtual' 5K During Coronavirus

NATICK, MA — Runners across the area are being invited to participate in a charity 5K, but you might not even have to leave your neighborhood to partake.

Every year, Medfield-based New Life Furniture Bank hosts a 5K trail run to raise money. And it's a big one, accounting for about 20 percent of the nonprofit's annual budget. With coronavirus, a regular 5K isn't possible, so New Life is letting runners participate on their own time.

Here's how it will work: Runners and walkers can register online for the event and join a team of other participants. Then, participants can pick a route, whether that's at home on the treadmill or along your favorite local streets. The race can be completed any time between April 13 and May 10.

There will still be a competitive element. Runners can post their race times on Racewire, and the winners of the New Life 5K will be posted on May 11.

"The economic impact of COVID-19 is hitting our clients hard,” New Life Executive Director Rich Purnell said in a news release. "In the coming months, we anticipate a surge in requests as many families will be displaced from their homes."

The organizers are encouraging participants to get creative with running teams, and the 5K course.

"We are thrilled that the race committee has come up with a way for the race to go on,” said Wayland resident Kristin Chisum, who is running the race this year with her son, Luke. "We live near the woods near Walden Pond so that's where we'll be."