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Faxon Law New Haven Road Race will be virtual event this year

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the 43rd Annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race will become a virtual event, coordinator John Bysiewicz said in a release Tuesday.

Participants can register for the virtual half marathon, 20K, 5K, or Kids Fun Run, and participate at the time and place of their choosing during Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-7). Each year the event benefits numerous New Haven non-profits.

The City of New Haven and the New Haven Road Race Board of Directors jointly decided the race could not happen as it traditionally does on the New Haven Green.

“The decision to make the event virtual was not an easy one,” Race President Michael Dolan said in a release. “We explored every option and carefully thought through new protocols, but in the end, we could not guarantee a safe event.”

Rick Fontana, Director of New Haven Emergency Operations and Race Board Member, added “safety of all participants, volunteers, supporters and spectators is our number one priority. The event medical staff, police coverage, and safety measures have always been first rate, which adds to what makes the race such a wonderful annual tradition. We didn’t want to compromise that.”

Faxon Law New Haven Road Race is happy to have found an alternative to canceling the event.

“The virtual race will be different, but still promote fun and family on Labor Day weekend while also giving back to our community,” Joel Faxon, long time race participant and Faxon Law Group partner said in the release.

Participants will be mailed race bibs and their custom road race shirts prior to the virtual event. Results will be self-reported and compiled into a race results database. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences on social media.