ST. LUKE’S FITONE REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, RACE TIMING EXTENDED DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE

It is not too late to sign up for St. Luke’s Fit One 2020. Idaho’s most popular fitness event, with its 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, is virtual this year. That means it’s your race, your way. You can run or walk anywhere that works for you, but only if you register by this Friday, Sept. 18.

St. Luke’s FitOne 5K, 10K and Half Marathon was originally scheduled to take place in Boise on Saturday, Sept. 26. The largest one-day running event in Idaho draws about 12,000 participants every year and helps raise money for St. Luke’s Children’s, Idaho’s only Children’s hospital.

In May, race organizers put the health and safety of the community first during the COVID-19 pandemic and announced the virtual shift. Relying on guidance from St. Luke’s physicians and state and local health officials, the decision was made to modify the event from a huge in-person family-friendly fitness celebration to a virtual one spread out across the state over 13 days.

So far, close to 5,000 people have signed up all around the country making St. Luke’s FitOne one of the nation’s largest virtual fitness events for 2020.

What is a Virtual Race?

Participants still have to move but set their own course to go the distance while social distancing. St. Luke’s FitOne will supply the race shirts, bibs, medals and virtual cheers and high-fives.

Instead of waking up early to join a large group in downtown Boise to run a pre-determined course, participants track their own course and time in the digital realm, run or walk on their own terms and in their favorite location. The only requirement is the race be done between Sept. 18-30 and use the RaceJoy app to track the time and distance. That timing was extended due to wildfire smoke, as race organizers want participants to stay safe and healthy during their run or walk.

How to Choose a Course

Participants select a pre-designed course when they register or choose the “Run Anywhere” option to set their own course straight out their front door, along a beautiful wooded path or your typical neighborhood route. It is up to them.

· 5K: Choose a pre-designed 5K course in Boise, Canyon County, Twin Falls, McCall or Wood River, or choose the “Run Anywhere” option.

· 10K and Half Marathon: Choose from a pre-designed 10K or Half Marathon course in Boise or choose the “Run Anywhere” option.

Using the RaceJoy app, participants can follow a turn-by-turn route and track their time. Those who complete their race between Sept. 18-30 can also see how they stand up to all other participants.

Race Packets

St. Luke’s FitOne will mail race packets in September at no additional cost. Inside, participants will find a race shirt, bib, finisher medal, breakfast bag from Albertsons and more. Participants had to sign up by Sept. 9 to make sure to get a packet before the start of race week, but even those who join later will still receive a packet.

Every step matters

Money raised from FitOne entry fees supports St. Luke’s Children’s along with community health initiatives aimed at children and families. In the first seven years of the race, $648,000 has been raised. That money has gone on to help build 17 school tracks in eight years. This year, a big chunk of entry fees will build a walking/running track at Garfield Elementary School and one in the Notus community. Kids love these tracks at recess and bring the whole family to walk and run on evenings and weekends.

All registrations are now $30 and are available online at FitOneBoise.org.