Florence Forth 5K / 10K 2021

Short review

It's time for the 9th annual running of the Florence Forth road race. This year, we are offering an in-person event in Durham, NC, and a virtual race for anyone, anywhere. #CapeMomentsAE
 
The Florence Forth Race is the single most significant fundraising event of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. Proceeds of this race ensure our ability to meet our mission to support the AE community, educate physicians in evidence-based best practices to diagnose and treat AE, and facilitate scientific research.
 
Will and Leslie McDow launched the Florence Forth road race in 2013 to commemorate the death of their six-year-old daughter, Florence, who died from complications of autoimmune encephalitis. Every year they run this race for Florence. We invite you to run with us, to honor your loved one: Who are you running for?

 
In-person race: The in-person event will offer a 5k and a 10k closed course near downtown Durham. NOTE the NEW location with start/finish at Bull City Running Company's downtown store.  

Course: Due to constraints on race size related to COVID protocols, the 10K course will be a double loop of the 5K course (shown on this map – insert link). 10K runners will run the 5K course twice. As race organizers, we recognize this is not the ideal race setting and appreciate your understanding in this strange year.
 
Race Registration will close on Wednesday, March 3rd. The race will be capped at 350 participants. 
 
Packet Pickup: Thursday and Friday (March 4-5) from 3-6pm at Bull City Running Downtown location
·       We are trying to limit race day packet pickup. This is for COVID safety precautions. Please pick up your bib before Saturday. You may have a friend or family member pick it up for you.
·       You will be able to pick up bib, shirt and a free mask on Thursday from 3pm to 6pm and Friday from 3pm to 6pm.
·       Pickup at Bull City Running downtown location at  501 Washington St, Durham
 
Post-race: To maximize social distancing, all finishers will be asked to wear a mask after finishing. There will be water bottles and individually wrapped snacks available. Volunteers will ask finishers to keep moving away from the finish line and back towards your car. There will be no finish line activities or awards ceremony.
 
Awards: This year is truly a gift to be running and Florence Forth will be a fun run. We are not having awards for either race. Though we can’t stop you from claiming bragging rights with your friends and on social media. Thank you for running and supporting the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance.
 
Race Day Parking: There is ample public parking in downtown Durham. This website shows public parking optionsand additional street parking is available. Please note the following streets will be closed for the race.
·       Washington between Corporation and Trinity
·       Corporation between Washington and Foster
·       Foster between Corporation and Geer
·       Geer between Foster and Washington 
 
 
Virtual race: The virtual event allows runners to join with their pod or run solo from anywhere. The virtual participants have the whole weekend to run their race, so they can pick a time that is convenient for them. A Florence Forth long-sleeve race shirt is not included in the virtual registration fee but can be purchased in our online shop. Go to https://florenceforth.itemorder.com/sale to get your race day gear.
 
In light of the COVID pandemic we recommend participants consider the risk for infection as they make their decision about participation. For people currently being treated for autoimmune encephalitis with immunosuppressant medications and/or chronic steroids, who may be a higher risk for COVID infection, we recommend you consider this risk when deciding between virtual and in-person race participation. 

Visit: https://aealliance.org/florenceforth/ for more information