Monroeville Foundation hosts virtual 5K

The Monroeville Foundation plans on hosting a virtual run to replace the annual 5K fundraiser typically held at the municipality’s Community Park.

The July 25 fundraising event, CommUNITY Days, was canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic.

But “this is the time to get creative and think outside the box,” said Ernie Groover, foundation board president. So the foundation is hosting the CommUNITY Virtual Run for Your Life and Family Walk. Instead of running alongside other participants on one day, Monroeville Foundation will stretch the event to two weeks. Runners and walkers will be able to pick their own day, time, distance and path.

“This is a great way to spend time with your family and friends be together to support your community, but with social distancing,” said Debbie Iszauk, the foundation’s event planner. “There will be no big shot gun start, no cheerleaders cheering you on, no after-party with announcements of best times, but there will still be lots of fun and good reasons to participate.”

Those who participate will receive an event T-shirt, a finisher’s certificate and medal. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear a costume and to take photos during or after their run. The photos can be shared on social media by using #CommUNITYSpirit.

Three photos will be randomly selected to win prizes.

Registration is $20, and proceeds benefit the Monroeville Foundation’s Emergency Covid Relief Fund.

“The foundation has a goal of raising $5,000 to share and distribute to Monroeville nonprofit organizations that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus or groups that are supporting the health care workers and heroes in our community,” said Groover. “That’s what the foundation is all about.”

To register, visit https://runsignup.com/monroevillecommunity. Registration closes July 13.