PLAY-LEAD-INSPIRE Virtual 5K and Run Series

We're back at it for a second year, raising funds to support youth at a crucial time in their lives. Join us wherever you are in the world as we hit the streets and trails for a virtual run/walk during the long Memorial Day Weekend (or a full month in the Series Run). You pick the day and time that is most convenient for you and/or your family! 

How It Works:

1.       Pick your race – Select from one of the four options above (more info below).

2.       Add some swag – To invest 100% of the race registration fee into our programs, we have added the option to purchase a newly designed PLAY-LEAD-INSPIRE shirt for an additional $20.

3.       Train – This is your excuse (ahem… reason) to get out of the house and go for some runs ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.

4.       To time or not to time? – Decide if you want to run a timed 5K, or just run for fun. See instructions below for submitting time.

5.       RUN! – Pick any day Friday, May 28th – Monday, May 31st and run/walk your 5K.

6.       Tag us (optional) – Snap a photo and tag @openfieldintl on Instagram or Facebook to share the love! Everyone who does will be entered into a drawing to win Open Field swag.

7.       Repeat (for Series Run only) – Run again in 2 weeks and then repeat. See details below.

We encourage everyone to plan your run to ensure your personal safety and that of those around you. Please adhere to local requirements for physical distancing, wearing a mask, and other community safety measures.

About The Races:

·         Individual 5K – Run or walk, up to you! Timed or not timed, up to you! Additional info for submiting time for prizes below. Student rate also availble. 

·         5K Series Run – Three consecutive 5Ks. Run every other weekend (May 28-31, June 11-13, and Jun 25-27). Timed or not timed, up to you! Additional info for submiting time(s) below. Prizes awarded based on the average time of all 3 runs. Must run all 3 during the specified weekends to be eligible.

·         Family Fun 5K Run / Walk – Get the whole family up and moving for a fun outdoor activity!

No matter which race you participate in, know you are making a difference in the lives of 1,000+ youth in Cameroon and Pittsburgh.

Submitting Your Time:

Runners participating in the Individual 5K or 5K Series Run can submit their times for the chance to win prizes. Runners have two options for easily submitting times once they have completed their respective race:

Option 1:

1.       Download the Strava app, search for the Open Field club, and join: Strava - Open Field club

2.       Open the app and record your run within the time frame allotted for the race you registered for – (5K = 3.1 miles)

3.       Once you complete your run, make sure to save the activity

4.       Edit the name of the run and resave so we know which run to count!

a.       For the single 5K – save the run as “Open Field 5K”

b.       For the 5K series – save the first run as “OF 5K 1”, second run as “OF 5K 2”, and third as “OF 5K 3”

That’s it!  Your saved run will appear in the Open Field club activity and we will take care of aggregating the times and publish the winners!

Option 2:

Use your own running app and email a screenshot (which includes date, distance and time), using the correct run name per above (i.e. Open Field 5k or OF 5k 1,2,3 for the series), to: [email protected]

Important:  Remember to complete your race within the designated time period so that we may compile the rankings in a timely manner.

Prizes:

Individual 5K Run (Mens and Womens):

1st place finishers - $50 gift card to local restaurant of your choosing and Open Field T-shirt in your size

2nd place finishers - $20 gift card to local restaurant of your choosing

3rd place finishers – Open Field T-shirt in your size

5K Series Run (Mens and Womens):

1st place finishers - $100 gift card to local restaurant of your choosing and Open Field T-shirt in your size

2nd place finishers - $40 gift card to local restaurant of your choosing and Open Field T-shirt in your size

3rd place finishers – Open Field T-shirt in your size

About Open Field:

Open Field's mission is to improve the lives and futures of youth through sport. Since 2010, we have run soccer programs to improve health, gender equity, leadership, and life skills for thousands of youth in Cameroon, Africa and Pittsburgh, PA. Despite the pandemic last year, Open Field facilitated 62 in-person programs over the summer and fall for more than 100 youth and connected with dozens more virtually. Through soccer, we strengthen the connection between adult coach-mentors and youth participants and promote life skills learning and health and well-being during this time of uncertainty. Find out more.