Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Virtual 5K Race of Hope is the same race that has been the charity’s signature summer event in Southampton since 2015. This year, all runners and walkers who sign up will choose their own race route, whether it's their favorite beach, neighborhood street, or treadmill. Participants also have the option to extend their race distance to a 10k (6.2 miles), 15k (9.3 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) or marathon (26.2 miles).
This Virtual Race will also feature a live broadcast event on Sunday, August 2 at 8:10 AM for those walkers and runners who want to race at the exact same time. The “Virtual Corral” will feature messages of hope from Race participants and a Grand Marshal welcome message all before the Virtual Race starts at 8:30 AM EST. Race ambassadors will contribute to a live race day broadcast, so supporters can virtually cheer them on as they complete the race.
“It’s a virtual race with a live event twist to create the fun and excitement of race day,” said Gruss. “We’re excited to see people signing up and joining forces all over the country.”
As a part of the Virtual Race of Hope, HDRF is hosting a social media contest called Share Hope, where participants are encouraged to share who they are running/walking for, what motivated them to join the race, or just a fun photo of them partaking or training for the race. Those interested in entering should post on social media with a photo, video (15sec. max), or boomerang featuring the Race of Hope by July 23 and enter to win on the contest entry page: https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/contest. Up to 50 lucky winners will be selected to have their message of hope featured on HDRF’s social media pages leading up to and/or during the “Virtual Corral” on race day and will get a Hope for Depression Research Foundation canvas tote.
The cost to register for the Race of Hope is $35. The first 1,000 to sign up will receive a commemorative hat, jacket, runner’s bib and a four-inch 2020 Race of Hope spinner medal. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to research that will transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.raceofhopeseries.com/