Ithaca's Quarantine Treadmill Ultra!

 The BIG IDEA!

A quarantined twist on the infamous Big's Backyard Ultra, known as the Quarantine Backyard Ultra, will start all over the world on April 4th, 2020. In this unique "last man standing" race, participants run 4.16 miles either on a treadmill or from their homes every hour on the hour, until all but one victorious runner have withdrawn. Runners will Zoom in while participating and are required to follow the quarantine regulations of their region. We, Ellie and Amelia, are using this as an opportunity to raise money for three of our beloved local businesses who are especially hard hit during this time of closure: Finger Lakes Running Company, FLX Fitness Center, and Collegetown Bagels. All money will be donated and split evenly between these three local gems. Please consider supporting us in this journey!

Details: When: April 4th, 9AM EST Where: Finger Lakes Fitness Center Who: Me, Ellie Pell and Amelia Kaufman, FLRC employee

How/what: 1.) We'll connect in to Zoom call using a computer webcam, or smartphone with the Zoom app – this will allow us to interact with other racers and the live feed while running 2.) At the bell we will start our treadmill and run 6.706km/4.167miles 3.) When we've finished the distance, we'll point our camera at the treadmill to prove we've completed the distance, and then we are free to relax, eat or do any other things we need to prepare for the next lap 4.) We must be back on our treadmills when the bell rings to start the next loop. The bell rings every hour on the hour.

How we're raising money:

Using Google Forms and Venmo/checks, I will ask people to pledge a certain amount per loop or make a one time donation. We are suggesting $4.16 per loop, but if that isn't feasible, whatever you'd like to contribute is greatly appreciated. However many loops I run, the corresponding amount will be billed to each of those who pledged.

Three Laptops: You'll be able to watch!! 1.) Connected to Zoom so Amelia and I can participate in the Quarantine Backyard Ultra race (which is free to sign up)

2.) Will stream it on the CTB Facebook page

3.) Will stream on FLRC's Facebook page.

Zoe Freer-Hessler, a FLRC employee will be our CREW CHIEF! She'll be there to monitor the computers, help with food (from CTB) and take her own photos/videos of the event for later use. On April 4th, Amelia and I will start at 9AM and keep going until we cannot run 4.16 miles in an hour.

Goal: Raise some money for my work families. All money will be donated and split evenly between these three local businesses.

A thank you note: Everyone in this community means so much to me, so much to us. Running has brought me so much joy, it brought me and Amelia together. It seems fitting that although in tough financial times ourselves, we can give back in the way we know how, running. If you cannot donate, feel free to comment, send us a shout out and share your support in any way you're able.

We appreciate you. We love you. We're all in this together.

LET'S GET RUNNING!