Date: 5/27/2021
LONGMEADOW – June 2 is Global Running Day and to celebrate the love of the sport and raise money for a cause, the running gear company Fleet Feet is hosting its annual Big Run to benefit the charity, Girls on the Run.
Kara Scott, training program coordinator at the Fleet Feet in Longmeadow, explained that the company is the national partner of SoleMates, the fundraising arm of Girls on the Run. The international 501(c)(3) non-profit operates after-school programs that aim to inspire girls and use running to teach about the connection between physical and emotional health.
SoleMates commit to a fitness-related goal, such as the Big Run, and raise funds, awareness and support for the organization. People can also donate without running, and choose whether to direct their funds to Girls on The Run’s international organization or the western Massachusetts council. The Big Run goal is to raise $1,000 for the local council.
The 2021 Big Run is a 5k in-person race with a virtual option. Those taking part in the live 5k will kick off the run at Fleet Feet, 680 Bliss Road, and follow a mapped-out route around Longmeadow. The route takes athletes back to the store for a post-race celebration with ice cream, a raffle and an opportunity to try Altra shoes.
For those athletes who choose the virtual option, the 5k can be run on any route and times can be submitted between May 29 and June 5. Participants who upload their photos on social media and tag @fleetfeetlongmeadow, #runtogether or #contest can win a prize.
To learn more about the race or sign up, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Longmeadow/thebigrunlongmeadowma.