The Fort Gordon Run Series is returning after being off the map for nearly one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The series will step off with the same event it ended with last year – a Dr. Seuss on the Loose fun run/walk on Feb. 6, at 9 a.m., on Chamberlain Avenue near Signal Towers. The course is stroller-friendly and ideal for all ability levels with options of a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile.
Neil Smith, DFMWR Sports director, said he is excited to be able to offer the run series again, noting that dozens of people have already signed up since registration opened online.
“With the run series, we want to provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for folks to come out and attend, and hopefully it will spring forward a much healthier lifestyle for some of these families,” Smith said.
The decision to bring back the series came largely in part to Fort Gordon Garrison Commander Col. Shaw Pick, who along with health officials, deemed outdoor events to be one of the safest ways to stay healthy.
“Being outdoors and exercising is one of the best things you can do during the pandemic,” Pick said. “A little fresh air and exercise are what we all need to maintain our resiliency during these tough times.”
COVID-19 mitigation measures will be in place during the event. While masks will not be required during the walk/run, participants will be expected to adhere to General Order No. 1 and wear masks off the course and when unable to maintain social distance.
Due to the short notice of Dr. Seuss on the Loose returning, T-shirts will not be available, however, there will be for the next event: the St. Patrick’s Day Shuffle 5K, which is scheduled for March 13, 9 a.m. That event will begin at the Fort Gordon Dog Park on 39th Street and will take runners through the Fort Gordon Disc Golf Course for a trial run.
Next up in the series is the annual Dare-to-Tri triathlon, which is scheduled for March 27. Smith said he is working closely with public health officials to determine the possibility of additional COVID mitigation measures; specifically with regards to the swimming portion. A final decision has not yet been made, but Smith said he is “very optimistic” that the event will go on. Regardless, Dr. Seuss on the Loose and the St. Patrick’s Day Shuffle are expected to kick off, and he encourages everyone to come out for them.
“We’re just excited being able to put these runs back on,” Smith said. “It’s been a long, arduous year not being able to do these, and we hope we help bring about some fun and goodwill to folks.”
To view more details and register for the events, go to www.fortgordonrunseries.com. Participants may also register in-person on the morning of the event.
Participation in the run series is free and open to the public. Non-DoD cardholders and those without an AIE access pass will need to go to the Visitor Control Center for a visitor’s pass. For details on how to obtain a pass, visit the Fort Gordon homepage at https://home.army.mil/gordon/index.php/about/gate-information.
Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Smith at 706-791-1142 or neil.j.smith.naf@mail.mil.
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