Entries have opened for the Stone St Michael’s 10K which is being held as a virtual event for the second time. Not quite what the organisers had hoped for as they were keen to stage a live race on 27 June but uncertainty about the situation with Covid-19 around that date led to this decision. 

Last year’s road race was cancelled due to the pandemic and a virtual event held instead that provided a goal for runners eager to see if their training was paying off. The event also formed part of the North Staffs Road Runners Association (NSRRA) virtual programme of races. 

The 2021 race was scheduled for Sunday 27 June – 6 days after all remaining limits, i.e. social distancing will be lifted in England as part of Step 4 on the road map out of lockdown. Any change to this possibly resulting in live races not going ahead would be costly for the organisers. If allowed to take place there is the time and expense of delivering Covid-secure events.  

Taking all of this into account, they decided to host the 2021 race as a virtual and runners have between Friday 25 June and Tuesday 29 June (9pm) to complete the 10K then submit their finish times. There is the option to run on the actual course.

There are trophies for the top three men and women and age categories and a medal for every finisher. 

Enter the Virtual Stone St Michael’s 10K at the AV Timing website. 

Image courtesy of Ben Bewley.