Sheldon, Iowa — Those participating in this year’s Village Northwest Unlimited Run, Walk, and Roll event will have to “roll” with the changes too, due to COVID-19.
Brenna Bomgaars, the Village’s Volunteer Coordinator and Development Assistant tells us the event this year will continue to be about running, walking, and rolling — just not in a big group. The event was to have been on June 6th.
She says the Run, Walk & Roll is typically a “wonderful opportunity for the community to come together on the VNU campus to support individuals with disabilities.” Participants in the event have the option to do either a 1-mile walk or a 5k or 10k run. The event is designed for people of all ages and abilities. All funds raised from the Run, Walk & Roll are used to provide services and programming with “Purpose, Privacy & Dignity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and traumatic brain injuries served at VNU.”
Barry Whitsell, President and CEO says, “The individuals served at VNU are among the most vulnerable people during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The health and well-being of our residents and staff are our top priority. Therefore, in an effort to safeguard their health and the health of our participants this year’s event will be converted to a ‘virtual’ event.”
Village officials tell us that if you’ve already registered for the event, you do NOT need to register again or make updates to participate. You’ll be able to Run, Walk or Roll anytime and anywhere leading up to race day after registering.
We’re told that every participant will receive a shirt. 5K and 10k registrants will also receive a commemorative pin. The shirt and/or pin will be mailed to the address provided with your registration.
Since it’s a virtual event, people are encouraged to share their photos of their walk, run or roll on social media or send them directly to VNU. Also, they are asking participants to share/show them your times and routes. A special hashtag has been set up, and you’re strongly encouraged to use it. It’s #RWR2020.
Bomgaars says the Virtual 5k and 10k races will not be an official timed event. She says if you have not yet registered, you can do so at www.allsportscentral.com or directly at www.villagenorthwest.org/events/run-walk-roll.
She says if you are unable to participate, they would ask you to please consider supporting the individuals served by donating at www.villagenorthwest.org/donate.
