INDIANAPOLIS — Runners gathered downtown at Monument Circle for the annual Indy Ultimate Saturday morning. For the first time, the race was fundraising for a cause as the Indiana Sports Corporation wanted to support hospitality workers who have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic.
Normally, March is one of the Sports Corp's busiest times of the year. But this spring was also when the virus that causes COVID-19 initially peaked in Indiana.
"Everything kind of happened during the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, so we only got one day of that in," said Director of Public Relations for Indiana Sports Corp. Brett Kamer. "Then, later, we found out the NCAA was cancelling their tournament, so our NCAA Midwest Regional was canceled. We are delaying our Olympic Trials for Diving, which will happen in 2021, the dates are still to be announced. And we have a water polo event we’re looking to move to 2021."
With so many athletic events on hold, it seemed clear that many were eager to run on Saturday.
Kamer said there were 1,200 registrants for the in-person run and then a couple hundred additional runners who registered for the virtual run.
"It’s kinda reopening of the city downtown in many ways, everyone needs a break right now," Sports Corp President Ryan Vaughn said.
Kramer said the event was also part of the Indianapolis' bicentennial celebrations. The Indy Ultimate, in its fifth year, was raising funds for the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging association.
"Normally, this is an event we use to help elevate the city, but also support our operations," Vaughn said.
But because of the pandemic this year, "There haven’t been major conventions, there haven’t been major sporting events, so we wanted to give this event to support them (hospitality workers)," Vaughn explained. "They’re the backbone of what we do on a day to day basis and so we want to be there for them now."
The pandemic is still a very present reality. Vaughn said that's why they had a safety plan that was approved by the Marion County Health Department.
Runners left in socially-distanced heats from 8 a.m. through 10 a.m. on Saturday. And there were signs encouraging social distancing throughout the event.
There was even a sign near the Start/Finish line that encouraged runners to take selfies and not group photos.
But 13News did see runners taking group photos and, near the end of the race, runners were standing near each other with a foot or two of space between them. Some were masked, others were not.
"We're doing masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer throughout the course so we feel really good about all the safety measures," Vaughn said.
Hand washing stations and portable bathrooms were also on site at Monument Circle. 13News observed the portable bathrooms being cleaned frequently.
Organizers had signage, tools and materials to keep everyone safe throughout the race.
And Vaughn said they're excited to be able to put on an event that brings the community together.