Running News Daily

Faxon Law Fairfield Half Marathon will go virtually due to COVID-19 concerns

Organizers have announced that the Faxon Law Fairfield Road Races, consisting of a half marathon, 5k and kids fun run, will be held virtually this year due to concerns about the pandemic.

The event, traditionally held at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, had already been moved from June 7 to Sept. 20. Now, runners will have the opportunity to compete on their own accord between Sept. 17-20.

“As much as we would like to be running with you at Jennings Beach this year, the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff, spectators, and sponsors is our number one priority, and with the current health crisis, we cannot completely guarantee a safe event,” John Calandriello, president of the Fairfield Half Marathon, said on the event website. “The decision to transform to a virtual event was not an easy one, but a necessary (step) to ensure the safety of all involved.”

Virtual racing has become a primary means of competition during the pandemic . Runners race on their own time and at their own location. Once the required distance is reached, they self-report their results into a database.

With social distancing a priority, many other races around Connecticut have adopted this same format, including the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, scheduled from Sept. 4-7, and the Hartford Marathon, Oct. 8-11.

Registration can be completed online at fairfieldhalf.org.