FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Seeks Runner Input
for Virtual for 2020 Event
Charlotte, NC - The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon will happen, albeit
virtually, in 2020 - and runners will have a say in what this year's
virtual event looks like. RunCharlotte, the marathon's production and
management company, announced the move today with an invitation for runners
to participate in a Facebook live event to discuss what they'd like to see
in a virtual event.
"Runners are a resilient breed," said Tim Rhodes, Race Director for the
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. "We're used to overcoming obstacles,
digging deep, and managing unique situations on-the-fly. This is no
different. We're ready to embrace the opportunity with the Charlotte
running community, our partners, and friends!"
Rhodes agreed a virtual event isn't anyones first choice, but added runners
have experienced enough virtual races by now to know what they'd like to
see.
The Facebook live event is Thursday, August 20 at 6:00PM EST:
https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMarathon
The decision on this year's events was made in consult with the team at
Novant Health, the marathon's title sponsor and official medical care
provider.
"As a sponsor of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, and as healthcare
providers, we are committed to the health and safety of our community,"
said Dr. Lisa Rentz, Director of Novant Health Event Medicine and lead
physician for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. "For that reason we
fully support the decision to postpone the 2020 marathon. We are working
diligently to provide the safest experience possible for all our
participants and look forward to seeing you in 2021."
Registrants for the 2020 event will have plenty of options. Runners may
engage in a virtual event this November, defer their registration to the
November 2021 event, or donate their registration fee to the event's
beneficiary, Novant Health's Hemby Children's Hospital.
"Committing to a virtual event was not a decision that came easily- we
explored every possible option," added Rhodes. "But with so much
uncertainty around events and with everyone's health in mind, we feel this
is the best and safest move to make."
The 2019 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon was bigger than anticipated; the
26.2-mile race reached capacity, as did the half marathon, and marathon
relay. In all, just shy of 6,000 people from 40 states and 8 other
countries took to the start line for the 15th annual series of events.
About the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon:
Since 2005, the Charlotte Marathon has capped the year of road racing here
in the Queen City. A community-wide celebration of health and wellness, the
marathon is a showcase of iconic Charlotte views and historic
neighborhoods, winding through uptown, Dilworth, Wilmore and the Gold
District, Plaza- Midwood, NoDa, and South Charlotte. Renamed the Novant
Health Charlotte Marathon in 2016, the event and its participants have
contributed nearly
$200,000 to support programs at Novant Health's Hemby Children's Hospital.
For more information about the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, see
www.runcharlotte.com
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