Here’s what’s replacing the I-277 route for Charlotte’s Around the Crown 10K
COVID-19 won’t cancel your runner’s high this year. The Around the Crown 10K, a landmark event that usually takes place Labor Day weekend on I-277, was postponed from May until December to reimagine an experience that will keep runners safe amid the pandemic.
From Dec. 6-12, Around the Crown 10K will partner with Truist for the Truist Time Trials, designed to promote an active lifestyle and drive positive change throughout the community. The race will start and finish at Camp North End, and will cover the uptown, Greenville and Wesley Heights neighborhoods, as well as greenways and shared streets.
To register, visit the race registration page.
“We are incredibly grateful to Truist for helping us bring this vision to life, especially following the disappointment of having to cancel the running of I-277,” said Brian Mister, race director of Around the Crown 10K. “We’ve worked really hard to give our community an opportunity to be active and competitive while staying safe.”
Run in-person or virtually
Participants can register for half-hour time slots to race between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day, with slots ending at 5:30. Only 50 participants will be allowed to sign up for each slot, and they can begin running at any time throughout that half hour. In keeping with the standard race, times will be tracked and posted for runners. Walkers, dogs and strollers are all welcome, as well.
If you prefer to join in on the fun from afar, Around the Crown 10K will also offer a virtual option. Both virtual and in-person participants will receive a medal, shirt and bib, either delivered or available for pickup after the race at Charlotte Running Company.
Get ready to run — safely
To keep participants safe, the Around the Crown 10K will implement procedures as directed by local health officials.
Participants must pre-monitor health status for 14 days before running and must digitally sign a race week COVID-19 waiver. To keep safe while running, participants are encouraged to avoid running directly behind another race participant and to keep a distance of 13 feet — or more.
Plan ahead: There will be no water stops throughout the course, but bring something you can refill, as there will be water bottle filling stations and canned water at the start/finish area.
Participants must wear masks when entering the open-air race building, and masks may not be removed until they begin the race. Masks must be carried throughout the run and put back on upon crossing the finish line.
There will be sanitizing stations placed around Camp North End, at the start/finish line, in bathrooms, at packet pickup tables and at the medal table. Expect all high-touch areas to be regularly cleaned. There will also be ample signage to encourage social distancing.
No spectators will be permitted inside of the start/finish area, and no more than 25 people will be allowed in the open-air building at one time. This includes staff and volunteers.
While there will not be an awards ceremony, you’ll be able to grab bagged food post-race.
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 1:25 PM.
