ABOVE: onePULSE Foundation’s CommUNITY Rainbow Run in 2018. (Photo by Jeremy Williams)
ORLANDO | onePULSE Foundation announced Aug. 6 that the this year’s CommUNITY Rainbow Run will now be completely virtual.
The nonprofit organization states that the fourth annual 4.9K race, scheduled for Sept. 12, is going virtual-only “out of an abundance of caution, and keeping in mind the safety of our staff, volunteers and the public.”
The in-person run, originally scheduled for June 6, was postponed until Sept. 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Please know we do not make these decisions lightly — we will always prioritize the health and safety of the public, the Pulse community and our employees,” Barbara Poma, CEO of onePULSE Foundation, said in a June press release when the race was originally postponed.
In addition to the 4.9K run going virtual, the 1K Old Town Kissimmee Kids Fun Run will also go virtual.
Participants who registered for the 4.9K run, the Kids Run and the VIP Experience will automatically be registered in the virtual run. Registration, entry fees and donations already made on the Rainbow Run website are nonrefundable.
onePULSE will post a pre-taped video of the 4.9K virtual race route on its Facebook page and YouTube channel before the start of the race on Sept. 12. The virtual race can be done at any location and at the runner’s own pace. Each Rainbow Run participant will have access to download their individual race bib and will receive a medal, T-shirt and backpack.
The 4.9K CommUNITY Rainbow Run started in 2017 to honor all those affected by the Pulse nightclub tragedy. It is presented by Orlando Health in partnership with the UCF DeVos Sport Business Management Program.
Registration for the 4.9K virtual run, with a entry fee of $49, and Kids virtual fun run, with an entry fee of $5, are open until Sept. 1. All proceeds go to onePULSE Foundation. For more information and to register, go to CommUNITYRainbowRun.com.
