Running together, safely apart

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person events have been cancelled to decrease the spread of the virus. At the same time, many ICHS patients have lost health insurance at a time when access to health services are paramount. In order to continue this year’s Lunar New Year 5k to support our patients in a way that would keep participants safe, the planning committee pivoted to a new event format – a virtual 5k.

A new experience

As a virtual event, the Lunar New Year Virtual 5k was planned to provide flexibility for participants to run safely. Rather than a set course on a specific day, participants completed their 5k runs or walks along the course of their own choosing throughout the week. Some participants took a walk in their local neighborhoods, others ran along the old race course on the Interurban Trail in Shoreline, and others completed trail runs in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

The event reached two milestones. The first being the widest age range with participants age 1 to 93 joining in the event. The other, being the most wide-reaching participation ever for ICHS Foundation with participants running in 15 states!

To continue the camaraderie and celebration, the virtual 5k also connected with the community on social media. Participants shared selfies and course photos wearing their event t-shirts and using the hashtag #ICHSLNY5k. ‘Running together, safely apart’ became the central message of the race as social media pages filled with photos of participants sharing in their commitment to the cause and completion of the race.

As our communities continue to be resilient through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this February has also been a time of hope as ICHS has continued to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to our most vulnerable. Despite the challenges we all face together, ICHS Foundation continues to bring together the community to support the mission of health equity and access for ICHS patients.

We look forward to seeing you next year – the Year of the Tiger!