The coronavirus pandemic has reduced the Grand Games to a 5K run, yet City of Westfield Communications Director Vicki Duncan Gardner said city officials are excited it will continue.
“It may look a little different this year with our safety protocols, but it still promises to be a great time to get out and get some exercise,” Duncan Gardner said. “It is our hope that the community will rally around this opportunity.”
The Grand Games debuted in 2017 as an Olympic-style event designed to provide quality competition in various sports for athletes, City of Westfield Community Events Coordinator Alexa Lingg said. In the past, the one-day event has included running and fitness (CrossFit). Cornhole was going to be added this year.
This year, participants will have the option to complete their 5K in-person at Grand Park Sports Campus starting at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 12 or virtually no later than Sept. 30.
“Participants of the in-person event must follow social distancing guidelines outside of their own family,” Lingg said. “Masks must be worn until participants cross the start line and be put back on immediately once they finish. Other safety measures include staggered start times, extra restrooms, hand sanitizers and hand-washing stations available throughout the race areas. Water bottles will be provided at the water station instead of open cups. Volunteers and staff will be health screened prior to the event and will be masked at all times.”
Lingg said post-race snacks, water and medals will be in a bag given to the finishers on their way out.
There is a cap of 250 participants. Registration will remain open until 7 p.m. Sept. 11. For $30, participants will receive a T-shirt, neck gaiter and finisher’s medal. There will be no onsite registration the day of the race.
For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com.
