Hotlanta Half Marathon & Hotlanta 5k (VIRTUAL RACE for 2020)

Runners,
 
The health & safety of athletes, officials and event organizers is a priority for Peak Racing, the City of Atlanta and our sponsors.
 
With the Public Health State of Emergency order being extended to mid-May and the Shelter-in-Place subject to review soon, we have made the difficult decision to run the 2020 Hotlanta Half and 5K as a Virtual Running Event.  As a fellow runner, I understand exactly what this means.

We value our runners and always make safety our number one priority. Our team hires nearly 200 City of Atlanta and Georgia Tech Police Officers and a full medical team -- both at the finish and along the course. We have over 180 volunteers as well as non-profit and charity partners on-course along with our crew. Closer to the finish, you always find our sponsors, partners and spectators there supporting you. 
 
With the State-of-Emergency extended, we cannot ensure that medical and safety personal will be available.  We cannot ensure that aid stations and maintenance crews will be available.  And we cannot ensure that volunteers and sponsors will be available to provide the unique expo experience you deserve.
 
With a race of this magnitude, we have already invested in shirts, finisher’s medals, venue deposits and city permits, amongst other items. As we say, "the money has already been spent".  Additionally, we want to still be able to donate to our charities in 2020.
 
We do intend to race again in 2021 and continue the tradition.   We are already making plans to reserve the 2021 date secure the proper permits as soon as the government allows. 

We are offering two options for the 2020 Hotlanta Half Marathon and 5k race for your selection:

1. Run it as a virtual event.

• You will still receive the same quality medal, shirt and bib. The medal for the 5k runners is similar to the half marathoners, just like in 2019.
• Those who select the virtual option are invited to a Hotlanta Half and 5k Facebook group where we can help with motivation, post about our training and share tips on running.
• We will have a big virtual celebration the morning of June 7th, 2020! We are already making plans. 

Action:

• Step 1: Click here to choose the virtual option by April 20th, 2020 (here on RunSignup.com)
• Step 2: Our team will be confirming your shipping address. 
• Step 3: We will plan to ship your Hotlanta packet from June 1st - 8th, 2020. Or, if our friends are Big Peach Running Co are open by that week, you can swing by and grab your packet. We can post more details in-person packet pickups as we learn more.
• Step 4: You would need to run your respective race between Saturday May 30 and Sunday, June 7th, 2020. 
• While we won’t publish official results or have awards, we do ask that you email us your finish time and a picture. We also encourage you to post your pictures on our Hotlanta Half and 5k Facebook Group.
• Donations will be made to our local charity partners.
   
  -- Or –

2. Receive a 50% discount on the 2021 event.

• You would need to choose between the virtual option or 50% discount.
• If you select this option, you would not be receiving the 2020 Hotlanta shirt, bib and medal. 
• We will email you the 50% discount code for the 2021 event. 
• You must reply to this email by April 20th, 2020.

My fifteen month old son was going to see his first Hotlanta Half and 5k. My pregnant wife and I were excited that she would be able to see the race again before she delivers in July. 

As a fellow runner, full-time race director and small business owner, these are unprecedented times.  However, I believe strongly, that if we continue to follow the guidance of the health experts, this will be a distant memory akin to so many other noteworthy moments in history.
 
Let's virtually run together so "The Tradition Continues" in 2020, and beyond.
 
Your fellow runner and race director,

Tony