Getting together in large groups isn’t quite the thing at the moment so the annual Greater Bank Casino Fun Run has put its creative legs on and come up with a way for people to get out, get active, and stay connected.
Traditionally the fun run is held around the streets of the Northern Rivers town of Casino but this year they have come up with a virtual event for the entire Northern Rivers region – a virtual fun run. And no, that doesn’t mean you get to have an avatar and run the course on your screen – you still have to get out for a run!
Working with RunNSW (the recreational running arm of Athletics NSW) organisers have set up a range of courses around local towns throughout the Northern Rivers that you can run any time between 20–27 September.
Athletics NSW CEO, Kirin Lindop, said that like all other sporting organisations they had to transform the traditional event to ensure the running community remained active and connected during times of physical distancing restrictions.
‘Traditionally, the annual Greater Bank Casino Fun Run attracts a large contingent of runners to the start line but that became impossible this year as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Transforming it to a virtual event ensured that we keep our runners connected and also provide opportunities and encouragement for the wider community to be more active,’ Kirin said.
‘This also means that we are able to take the event to different communities outside of Casino, including Byron Bay. We are hopeful that out of this challenging situation that we can in fact encourage more people to be part of this year’s event.’
How far can you run?
Run NSW is encouraging people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to take on the virtual event and test themselves against others in the community by covering the 2km, 5km or 10km distances.
‘We have created a mapped course in Byron Bay, as well as Casino, Lismore and Ballina, for participants to follow, or [they can] simply cover the distance around their neighbourhood or favourite running area,’ said a spokesperson for the fun run.
All runners located within 100km of Casino who complete the event, including those in Byron Bay, will receive a finisher’s medal by uploading proof of time, plus they will go into the draw to win one of six $100 Greater Bank account vouchers simply by taking part.
To be part of the virtual Casino Fun Run, participants can register here for the fun run, complete the chosen distance between 20 and 27 September and upload proof of their time to the website.
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