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Hospital Hill Run goes virtual due to COVID-19 outbreak

marathon runner
Posted at 10:06 PM, Apr 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-03 23:06:11-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The annual Hospital Hill Run is the latest race, which will never get to a physical starting line in 2020.

Organizers announced Friday night that the June 6 race would be a virtual-only event, Hospital Hill Run Race Director Lisa Drake said in a statement.

"You train hard, and the excitement and tradition of the Hospital Hill Run each year is one we eagerly anticipate,'' Drake added. " So it is with heavy hearts that I, along with the Board of Directors of the Hospital Hill Run,, Inc., have made the very difficult decision to transition this year's event to an all-virtual race.''

Drake cited the severity and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also said the health and safety of the runners, spectators, medical staff and everyone else who makes the race happen were the top priority for her and the board.

All registered runners will automatically be enrolled in the virtual run, and more information is available at the Hospital Hill Run website.

Virtual runners will still receive a Hospital Hill Run T-shirt from Charlie Hustle, a race medal and bib.

Those who signed up this year also will get a 20% discount off next year's entry fee, according to the news release.