Race organizers keep Jim Fixx Memorial Day event alive

GREENWICH — The race must go on.

Competing in the Jim Fixx 5-mile Run in Greenwich has been a Memorial Day tradition for decades for the hundreds of particiin pants that turn out for the popular event each year.

Though it will have a much different look and feel than in past, the Jim Fixx race will continue its long-standing tradition.

The Greenwich Department of Parks & Recreation, cooperation with Threads and Treads, is organizing a Jim Fixx Virtual Run that will benefit the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service.

Because of the restrictions placed on public gatherings and sporting events due to the coronavirus crisis, organizers made significant changes rather than cancel the popular Memorial Day event this year.

Race organizers Don Mohr, Mickey Yardis and James Gerweck came up with the plan.

“This is our 56th year, and it’s a tradition we don’t want to let go easily,” said Yardis, owner of Threads & Treads in Greenwich. “In terms of longevity and the event honoring Jim Fixx — he was one of the main guys around — we knew we had to keep the event going.”

The race is named for Jim Fixx, author of the bestselling “The Complete Book of Running” who is credited with helping to popularize the sport of running.

Yardis said he, Mohr and Gerweck discussed the idea of virtual events. And after talking to John Fixx, son of the late Jim Fixx, and they were inspired to keep the holiday run alive.

“Maybe this could be a great way to kick off the summer,” Yardis said. “I would like to invite the whole town to participate.”

Every year, runners from many towns and even other states compete in the Jim Fixx race — and anyone can run in any location in this year’s virtual event.

Registration is underway and participants can begin competing now through Memorial Day — May 25. Registration closes on 11:59 p.m. on Memorial Day.

To register, visit threadsandtreads.com and click on the Registration is NOW OPEN! icon to register.

Participants can compete in a virtual 5-mile run ($20 to participate) or a virtual family health walk ($20). Two virtual kids half-mile runs — an 8-year-old-andunder run and a 9-and-over run — are also offered for a fee of $10.

The funds generated through race fees will be donated to GEMS, which is working on the front lines of the public health crisis.