The Augusta Sports Council has announced that the 2021 Augusta University Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, along with the Medals for Miles kids fun run, will be held virtually due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All registered participants of the 2021 event will receive an email with further information. The annual event will return for its 14th year in February 2022.
“The health and safety of our community remains our top priority. We applaud the Augusta Sports Council’s efforts to create an engaging virtual event supporting our AU Heroes and other health care workers on the frontlines,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD.
The annual event serves as the Augusta Sport Council’s primary fundraising event for its annual G.A.M.E.S. Scholarship fund, which awards $1,000 scholarships to selected local graduating high school student athletes each May. In addition, the 2021 event will include a community giveback component to benefit local hospitals, frontline workers and participating charities.
The giveback program will include a shoe donation to frontline workers in partnership with Fleet Feet Augusta, a meal donation to local hospitals, Gold Cross EMS workers and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, as well as an additional donation to participating charities via fan vote. The 2021 Augusta University Half Marathon, 10K and 5K charities are Team 65 Roses, Project Lifting Spirits, Friends of Frances and wear blue: run to remember.
Here is everything you need to know to participate in the virtual race this year:
Registration
Registration for the event will still be held online, on the registration site here. There will still be three races, the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. Registration for all three races will close on Monday, Feb. 22. The official race week is Thursday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 7.
Refunds/deferrals
This year’s race is unlike any other, and for that reason, our runners have options to ensure the best experience running in Augusta. Our “Worry-Free Registration” policy provides the following options:
- Participate in the virtual race
- Defer to 2022
- Receive a refund for your registration (Active.com fee not included)
- The “no transfer” policy will still be in effect, meaning you cannot transfer your registration to another runner
If you wish to defer, get a refund or have additional questions, please contact augustahmhelp@gmail.com with your request. The deadline for deferrals and refunds is Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Packet pick-up
Even though the event is virtual, runners still receive great gear and local deals. There will be three days of packet pick-up to choose from:
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 (drive thru) at James Brown Arena parking lot in downtown Augusta
- 601 7th St., Augusta, GA 30901
- 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 (walk-in) at Fleet Feet Augusta
- 229 Fury’s Ferry Road, Augusta, GA 30907
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 2 (walk-in) at Augusta & Co.
- 1010 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901
All you have to do is give your name, show a photo ID and you will receive your packet. You are also welcome to pick up packets for friends and family, just bring a copy of their photo ID (an image of their ID is also fine).
Medals for Miles packets can also be picked up at any of these three locations.
Peachtree qualification
Though we cannot offer qualification for the Peachtree Road Race from a virtual event, the Atlanta Track Club has offered to allow any times from sanctioned events in 2019 and forward to qualify you for the Peachtree Road Race. You can use any of your Augusta University Half/10K/5K times if you raced with us in 2019 or in 2020.
Medals for Miles
The Medals for Miles program is still in place — just virtual! Get your little runner to finish our program and then award them with their very own runner’s packet with a medal, race sticker and other fun goodies. Packets can be picked up at any of the three packet pick-up locations listed above.
Race perks
Click here to see all the race perks we have for 2021, grab your bib and enjoy shopping, eating and playing local!