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GRRRR goes virtual this year

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By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR), held at Pikes Peak State Park for the first time in 17 years in 2019, will be held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Even if it’s held outdoors, runners still tend to run in packs,” said organizer Duane Boelman. “We want this to be a yearly event, so we decided to make it a virtual event to keep the spirit alive.”

With the virtual race, runners or walkers can complete the 10K, 5K or kids fun run on their own time, without the large-scale crowd. The race can be completed any time in September or October, not just on the planned race day, Saturday, Oct. 3. 

Although GRRRR traditionally starts at Pikes Peak, near McGregor, then takes participants along the Great River Road, this year’s course will be a bit different.

“Without a police presence or having anyone watching traffic, we decided to take it off the road and do a trail run in Pikes Peak instead,” Boelman explained.

The route starts at the parking lot for the picnic area across the road from the campground. The entrance to the trail will be in front of you. A full map is available on the “GRRRR Great River Road - Road Race 5K and 10K” Facebook page or at www.mcgreg-marq.org.

Runners and walkers can self report their finish times and post photos on the GRRRR Facebook page. A GRRRR photo frame is mounted onto the Pikes Peak shelter for photo opportunities. Awards will be given once the event wraps up at the end of October.

“To get an award, you have to self report on social media,” Boelman stressed. “We’re going on an honor system.”

Sign up for the race at runsignup.com/Race/IA/McGregor/GRRRRGreatRiverRoadRoadRoadRace. There is a fee to participate, with proceeds going to the event organizer, the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce. Runners and walkers will receive a shirt and goodie bag. 

“We think it will be fun and hope to get a nice turnout,” said Boelman. “Then, hopefully, next year it will be back to normal.”

For those who enjoy the traditional GRRRR breakfast with pancakes and chicken gravy, don’t worry. The breakfast will still be held on Saturday morning, Oct. 3, but at Backwoods Bar and Grill in McGregor rather than at the park. In addition to dine in, pick-up and delivery options will also be available.

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