Racing Returns to Ohio

Racing returns to Ohio and many other parts of the world.

After a year or more of runners hearing the words cancelled, postponed or “we are going virtual.”  Running events return again to many places around the world including here in the Buckeye State.

5k Gahanna, Ohio

Starting last fall, events started reappearing around Ohio albeit with numerous health protocols that came from the Ohio Department of Health and pushed down to the local health districts in each of Ohio’s counties.

Races that were able to be held in the fall had limited fields with staggered starts and many of the bells and whistles that made these events special were not permitted.  Gone were the awards ceremonies, post-race food spreads, onsite results and in many cases runners were even asked to leave the venue once they had completed their event.  It was certainly frustrating for all, but runners were desperate to get outside and let loose, while Race Directors needed events to stay financially afloat.

Fast forward to 2021, as the vaccines starting rolling out and the number of infections started dropping, the requirements started to loosen.  Then on on June 2, Governor DeWine ended most of the health orders* and things really started to open up again.  Many events that were able to, quickly converted their virtual events to in-person events while still maintaining a toe in the virtual space for those who may not be totally comfortable with crowds again.  So now and for the time being, participants are able to choose from both an in-person and a virtual race options which seems to work nicely for all.

As of writing this article, our race calendar has around eighteen races scheduled with numerous more in the startup stages.  The very popular race calendar, Ohio Runner as added many new events since June 2 and it does not seem be slowing down.

*As of today, Friday June 18, Governor DeWine plans to lift the State of Emergency Ohio was under during the pandemic.

Chip timing and finish line services provided by Speedy Sneakers Racing using IPICO timing systems.

You May Also Like….

World Treadmill Records set at Chaski Challenge
World Treadmill Records set at Chaski Challenge

How fast can you run on a treadmill? Have you ever tried breaking a record or even your own personal best? With Covid-19 impacted many events around the world, events such as the Chaska Challenge provide a welcome opportunity for a number of elite athletes to let it fly.

read more
Boston Marathon Cancels Goes Virtual
Boston Marathon Cancels Goes Virtual

The 124th Boston Marathon has been cancelled and has now gone virtual. Wow! Who would have ever foreseen that such an iconic marathon such as Boston would have to cancel? The event that has been held for over a hundred years and crowned many of the great marathoners of all time will not be held in 2020.

read more