Capturing the Spirit of the Virtual Big House 5K

By Steve Kornacki

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- How do thousands of runners get to cross the finish line in a time of social distancing?

That was the challenge facing the University of Michigan athletic department organizers of the seventh annual Big House 5K run.

The race was a sellout only days before the NCAA postponed the rest of the college sports schedules for this school year and the Wolverine athletic facilities closed for the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantines and social restrictions instantly made the event running through the streets of Ann Arbor an impossibility.

So, what could be done to provide a racing experience, medals, T-shirts, certificates and winners in the seventh annual Big House 5K run?

Meghann Oblak, assistant director of partnerships for the Wolverines, said: "One of our concerns was preserving the event in a way that was both fiscally responsible -- because this is not something we make money on, we only cover our expenses -- and we wanted to preserve our commitment to providing a donation to our six nonprofit beneficiaries, and also provide an opportunity to our fans who support the race year after year to still experience the race.

"We had 9,000 registrations and sold out in early March. But it wouldn't have been feasible to provide the event with the rules for social distancing."

After consultation within the athletic department and with other groups involved in the race, the plan to "provide the next-best experience" was formulated.

It would become a virtual experience much like weddings, graduations and other events have over the past two months.

Running the race virtually also provided the athletic department the opportunity to support those six nonprofit entities with "funds and awareness:" Huron River Watershed Council, Freedom House Detroit, Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, SOS Community Services, University of Michigan Addiction Center and Washtenaw Literacy.

The race was scheduled for April 19, in conjunction with the spring football game, but instead participants had until April 30 to run on their own and relay their finishing time for the 3.1-mile distance.

"So, it was on the honor system," said Oblak.

The Hartle family created its own virtual Big House finish line.

Ten winners were selected based on their photos capturing the spirit of the virtual #BigHouse5K: Dan Modes, Brant Hartle, Jamie McCarty, Jim Sorensen, Miriam Light, Janice Moses, Amy Holzhausen, Camillie Yuasa, Amy Stevens and Peter Scornaiencki. Each received complimentary entry into next year's Big House 5K. All finishers will receive medals and T-shirts unique to this race along with certificates indicating it was a virtual competition.

The previous six races started on State Street near Schembechler Hall, headed north before looping the campus, and headed south to finish at the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium, aka "The Big House."

Oblak said "about 2,000" opted for race refunds, but 78 percent participated in the virtual race experience.

"That is a testament to the people who competed," she said. "That's a pretty incredible number, all things considered."

Here is what some runners had to say:

"I had a fun time on my solo virtual race -- I played the national anthem before I started, then 'Hail to the Victors' to start and end my race. I tried to imagine where I was in Ann Arbor during various segments of my run, including imagining running through the tunnel and onto the field as I finished, jumping up to touch my 'banner.' I missed the energy of the other runners around me, though. I look forward to doing it for real next year. Go Blue!" -- Miriam Light, Saginaw, Michigan

"I ran this morning in Traverse City, which is where I live. I missed finishing in the Big House, but the view of Grand Traverse Bay wasn't too bad. I will not forget this 2020 race. I have run the Big House 5K each year since they started. So, I didn't want to miss one. Hopefully, we will be back in Ann Arbor next year. Thanks for the opportunity to have a virtual race." -- Mary Ann Behm, Traverse City, Michigan

"This was the halfway point of my virtual #BigHouse5K. As I paused for this, Avicii's 'Fade into Darkness' was playing:

'This world can seem
Cold and grey
But you and I
Are here today'

Great way to finish our urology squad's week in the hospital. #hail" -- Juan José Andino, MD, MBA, Urology House Officer, Michigan Medicine, Department of Urology

"This year was memorable not only because of COVID-19 but we were able to include our dog, Carlie. She was decked out with her M Healthy shirt plus her medal. Thank you for still having the virtual Big House 5K. I look forward to receiving our T-shirts." -- Shelley Regensburg and Richard Regensburg, Manchester, Michigan

Ryan Aksamitowski sent along his virtual race photo while going the distance on his treadmill in Leesburg, Virginia.

So, on treadmills, and on trails near and far, the Big House 5K entrants, some 7,000 strong, found 7,000 different finish lines.

It was a virtual success.

University of Michigan Athletics

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