Let’s get physical — virtually! Choose your path, move with a purpose

To kick off the 2020 United Way of Northwest Louisiana campaign season, the United From Home Virtual Fun Run & 5K taking place on June 27 encourages runners and walkers to participate in this virtual race with a purpose. Register to run or walk your individualized 5K course, join a corporate team or form a group of your own. This socially distant competition allows you to get active while making a difference in our community. United Way of Northwest Louisiana fights for the health, education, financial stability and essential needs of every person in Northwest Louisiana.

During this period, and with the importance of staying safe, this walk gives the participants control of their surroundings while giving back. You get to be the decision–maker of where you would like your journey to begin and end: through your neighborhood, past a body of water, in front of your favorite local business, or through your favorite park. The top three runners with the best times in each age/gender division will be recognized.

The top three runners in their age/gender division and youth and fun runners will be recognized.

• Prizes and commemorative medals to the top three finishers in each division.

• All participants age 10 and younger will receive a commemorative medal.

• The corporate team with the most participants will receive social media acknowledgment and featured on a digital billboard for 30 days.

• Participants who BINGO will be featured on their website and entered to win one of three $25 Visa gift cards. See “Run with Us on Social Media” for details.

• This virtual event is open to individuals of all ages. The male and female age divisions are as follows: 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over.

The race begins Saturday, June 27, at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.

Curbside SWAG bag pick-up for this race will be located at 820 Jordan St., Shreveport, in the parking lot on Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The 5K course limit is one hour. To finish within these time limits, runners and walkers must maintain a pace of approximately 20 minutes per mile. Official finishing times are recorded through one hour. Although the onemile Fun Run course does not have a time limit, participants in the Fun Run are encouraged to try their personal best.

Certify your run time: To be considered for awards, you will need to submit your race time results on RunSignup.com. Navigate to the menu bar on the website and look for the “Results” tab. This is where you will submit your race time. Participants must also send a photo of their timer with their time to raavin@ unitedwaynwla.org for verification.

Individuals can choose from three different entry levels when registering for the United From Home Fun Run & 5K. The items you receive in your SWAG bag will be based on the entry-level chosen. There are five entry levels. $35 fee includes Live United T-shirt and race day bib.

Put a fun spin on this run by downloading a BINGO card that can be accessed from your mobile device. This BINGO card features fun and simple tasks you can complete during your run. Participants who get a BINGO will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card. Three individuals will be chosen at random.

The Kids’ Corner: Send in a photo of your child to paige@unitedwaynwla.org on race day, and they will be featured on the “Kids’ Corner” page on the website.

Show your spirit: Before and during the race, share how you are getting prepared and training for the impactful day on social media. Wear your most fun, festive and comfortable running gear. Take photos and videos during your run or walk. Share your progress on social media and be sure to tag us (@unitedwaynwla), and use hashtags #UnitedFunRunNWLA and #UnitedFromHome.

Locally, United Way manages Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 211, the Financial Empowerment Center, and FamilyWize. United Way established the United for NWLA Fund in partnership with The Salvation Army and the Shreveport- Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau to aid NWLA residents during the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.

Please contact Events Manager Raavin Evans, at raavin@unitedwaynwla.org for additional information.