October’s Baystate Marathon to Go Virtual at Three Distances for 2020

GLRR ANNOUNCEMENT – Baystate Marathon   Summer is in full swing, and even with the oppressive heat, and the general life changes that we are all still dealing with, I can take a small measure of happiness when I see that GLRR is still showing NO signs of slowing down.  Even though we all miss our large-scale gatherings & social events, so many of us have adapted by taking part in the GLRR Virtual challenges, along with many other running related events, while keeping safety as our pinnacle of success.  New Balance employees Byran Gartrell (L) and Andy McCann following their debut marathon at Baystate in 2012. Gartrell placed 20th in 2:46:35, while McCann passed halfway in 1:19:29, behind 7 men and the women’s leader. Feeling great, he’d rally to win in 2:34:35. Photo courtesy of Byran G. For those who have helped us with both the running and safety aspects, THANK YOU.  This represents our club very well, and gives me hope that soon enough, we can return to a sense of normalcy.                 Today, I wanted to take some time to talk to you about our signature event: The Baystate Marathon.  As you likely know, Baystate is the primary funding source for all GLRR activities, which also include supporting youth athletes in the community, both athletically and academically.  Baystate is a prime example of how we execute our mission of Promoting and Encouraging the Sport of Running. The current environment for marathons (as large-scale gatherings) is extremely nebulous as we have already seen many races cancel their 2020 events, including the Boston Marathon.  Baystate is in a slightly different position than others, since this it is one of the few remaining marathons that is 100% staged by volunteers rather than by a for-profit company.     Jordan O’Dea of the Heartbreakers, one of 2 women to hit an Olympic Trials qualifying mark at Baystate in 2019. She did so emphatically in 2:38:59, the first woman to break 3:40:00 in the 31-year history of the event. Photo courtesy of Baystate Marathon After many months of discussion and monitoring of world events, the decision has been made to Go Virtual with the Baystate Marathon in 2020.   Obviously, we all want to have a physical race, but only if it is safe for our runners & volunteers.  Since we cannot guarantee that at this time, the virtual option was the way to go.  The Baystate Committee is still refining the details of this Virtual Race, but what we do know is this:   ·       Registration is OPEN (see link below) ·       There will be Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k distances available ·       The cost is $30 for all distances, which includes a finisher medal and a shirt ·       The race distance of choice can be run anytime within the window of Saturday October 10th  – Sunday October 18th,2020.    So how can you, our loyal GLRR member help with these efforts?  Naturally, you can sign up and run your selected race distance during the window above (since there will not be a need for as many volunteer spots this year).  Also, you can share the link below with your entire community of running friends to get them involved.  After all, we are all in this together!   https://register.chronotrack.com/r/45424?tag=BaystateVIRTUAL   More information will be coming out over the summer and we encourage you to stay connected by following the Baystate Facebook page and the Baystate Instagram page.  We pride ourselves on being one of the best running clubs around, and we are certain that this novel venture will be successful because of the combined efforts of club members like you! We all thank you for your support.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to myself or to info@baystatemarathon.com   #GLRRKeepsRunning Regards, Jeff Maistrosky President – GLRR