Runners gather at the starting online
Runners left disappointed by the cancellation of the popular Paisley 10k can still take part in a race – online.
Renfrewshire Leisure has organised a series of virtual events to take the place of the annual 10k race, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Whether you’re a keen runner or just took up the sport during lockdown, all are welcome to take part by signing up for the Renfrewshire Leisure Virtual 5k Summer Series for free.
After registering, runners are asked to submit their best time for running a 5k distance. You can start submitting times once every week for three weeks, starting on Monday, July 27.
Runners can choose to register and submit a time for week one, week two, or all three weeks. At the end of each week, results will be collated and a leader board will be posted on the Renfrewshire Leisure website and social media.
The Virtual 5k Summer Series is being organised in conjunction with Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club and the event’s charity partner is Erskine – Scotland’s foremost provider of care for military veterans and their spouses.
Although entry to the event is free, runners are being encouraged to make a donation to Erskine at www. erskine.org.uk/support-ourwork/donate/
Councillor Lisa- Marie Hughes, chairwoman of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “It’s a shame the Paisley 10k and Fun Run has had to be cancelled this year, but we’re making sure all the training that runners have been doing throughout the year will be put to good use.
“Our team has been very creative in coming up with the idea for a Virtual 5k Summer Series and I hope lots of runners sign up and log their best times for running the 5k race distance.
“I’m sure those taking part will join in the fun and competitive spirit of the event and if they aren’t top of the leader board after the first week, they have another two opportunities to post even faster times.”
Runners can complete the distance either on an outdoor run or a treadmill.
Week one is Monday, July 27, to Sunday, August 2, week two is Monday, August 3, to Sunday, August 9 and week three runs from Monday, August 9, till Sunday, August 16.
Registration at www. re n f re w s h i re l e i s u re. com/5ksummerseries will be open throughout each week. Once signed up, runners will be sent an email with a weblink to a Google Form to submit times.