MRC Racing Series

I have completed the September schedule and made some updates for October and November. December is still too far off to worry about.

Virtual Boston 2020

If you had a bib for Boston 2020 you can run the first Virtual Boston Marathon. We have several people signed up and they have been training all summer!

Let us know if you are running.

The virtual race can be run between September 7th and September 14th.

David Curley Memorial 5K

You can run this race between September 19th and 26th and registration is $25.

You could even run this race on our Tuesday Night Club Run.

If you haven’t heard, we meet in front of Melrose High at 7PM. We observe social distancing and masks are required. We go out in groups of two or three based on each runners pace.

Superhero 5K or 10K for Rett’s Roost

Race dates are September 18th through September 20th and registration is $25 for either race.

Wicked Half

Run this half for the wicked good price of only $25!

Race dates are September 25th through September 27th.

MelroseWakefield Healthcare Virtual Stride 5K

Show your support for the dedicated folks at Melrose-Wakefield Healthcare! Run the virtual 5K to show your real love.

Race dates are September 26th through September 27th and registration is $25.

BayState Marathon, Half and 5K

This is the last marathon in the 2020 Melrose Racing Series. You can also run the half or the 5K. Race date is October 18th.

Take your pick and register for $30! That’s a great price for a marathon or a half.

Race cancellations and high hopes

It looks like BlueCross BlueShield of MA cancelled The Island Run this year. The Malden Irish American cancelled their Labor Day weekend races also.

The Harborside Half and 5K have also been cancelled.

The Melrose Y still has the Spooky Sprint as a live event on October 31st.

Tuesday Night Club Runs

I know it’s hard to get out the door these days. My miles are way down and I still haven’t caught the bug for these virtual races.

Stop by Melrose High on Tuesday night at 7PM for some responsible running. And you get to hang out a bit and talk to people in person!

Just no post run beer drinking and definitely no pizza!

We decided to incorporate Dan’s idea for Marathon Weekend Virtual Races into the MRC Racing Series.

I dare you to find a real life race in America this weekend!

Totally ripped off from Dan’s Facebook post:

Here’s the plan:

On April 18th, 19th, or Patriot’s Day the 20th, what would normally be the weekend of Boston Marathon 2020, all interested participants can either run a half or 5K (you can opt for another distance, but it won’t be part of the “contest” chaired by Lois, Jim, and myself with input from all).

You provide your own food and water stops. And you’ll submit your results and selfie by that following Tuesday (4/21).

You see, here’s the deal man.

Where and what time? – Totally up to you.

Two ideas include the Old Melrose Half that Jim has outlined on the SLR or a bike trail. Trails in the woods can work too. Jim’s Melrose Half is actually 14.6, so don’t be fooled!

And just like a Sunday long Run, if you get lost ain’t no body coming looking for you!

For the 5K, take your pick of favorite runs, just make sure to keep 5K distance between you and anyone else. Just kidding!

Suggested Fee: $50

You will get nothing for this – no t-shirt, no towel, no cheeseburger…..Instead, help those affected by the Coronavirus by buying (for example) a $50 gift card from a LOCAL MELROSE BUSINESS (Wood and Fire, Rising Eagle, Mexico Lindo, Buckalew’s for example.

NO CHAINS, please keep it locally owned. The businesses open will likely be less than normal, though check on-line as well).You can use this gift card yourself, OR donate to the workers directly helping our neighbors & loved ones during this pandemic – it’s up to you.

2 thoughts are Hallmark Health Systems (Melrose Wakefield Hospital) or a Melrose Assisted Living facility. If you choose Hallmark Health Systems, then email Rose @ rfisher@melrosewakefield.org OR drop at 888 Main St., Wakefield (NOT the hospital) with your name/info & Attn: Rose Fisher – she’ll distribute to the caregivers. Thank you!

Submission/ Results

Post to the MRC Facebook Page and include where, when, a route map or description, selfie, time, gift card/donation, and perhaps your personal medal. Have a little fun with it.

We might even “award” winners in different categories: Most Rural, Furthest from Melrose, Most Urban, Highest Elevation, Safest (most isolated), etc.!

Please note

This is not an MRC sanctioned event, so limit your gatherings, practice responsible social distancing and stay healthy and safe!

The Points Count This Time

Unlike “Who’s Line is it Anyway” the points do count this time towards the MRC Racing Series.

For the Virtual-ly Insane Half you will get 5 points.

For the Keep Your Distance 5K you will get 2 points. A little added bonus for everyone since we missed the Gold Star Honor Run 10K.

You can run both races this weekend and get seven points! If you run 16.2 miles on one day, I’ll give you the seven points, you deserve them! Not sure if Jim, Lois and Dan will count them as both races, but I will.

While these are virtual races I’m checking to see if we can count the miles towards the 100 mile club. No guarantees, but it was worth asking. Otherwise, we will all be running half marathons each weekend in November and December.

I hope you all get a chance to at least run a 5K this weekend. Knowing that you are doing something good for someone else will make it easier to get out the door and should keep that silly grin on your face for the entire run!