Wishbone 5K moves virtual as participants run anywhere, at any time, on Thanksgiving

Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talks COVID-19 frustrations, vaccine and building public trust. USA TODAY

ST. CLOUD — For the past nine years, thousands of people have got up early on Thanksgiving morning — usually donning lots of warm layers and sometimes inflatable turkey suits — to participate in the Bernick’s Family Fitness Series Wishbone Walk/Run. 

This year was no different. Except almost every detail of planning was different due to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines that prohibit large gatherings. 

“It’s definitely been pretty wild trying to make everything work — a lot of conversations with the department of health to make sure we’re staying within the bounds of what’s legal and also provide a really cool race experience,” said race director Evin Haukos. 

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Planning this year’s event was an exercise (no pun intended) in patience and being able to react quickly. 

“For a little bit there, every other week, things would change,” he said. 

Despite the changing guidelines and plans, the goal remained the same: to get people outside exercising in a safe way before their Thanksgiving feast. 

Instead of one course outside the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, organizers set up a handful of courses, taking runners from downtown to Munsinger Gardens, along the Beaver Island Trail, near the new Tech High School or through Sartell. 

Runners participated virtually this year and could run wherever at any point in the day. Participants were asked to time their runs or walks on their phone, and could enter their times for prizes. 

Runners begin the Wishbone 5K Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at the St. Cloud Area YMCA.

 (Photo: Zach Dwyer, zdwyer@stcloudtimes.com)

Last year, about 5,000 people participated. Haukos anticipated about half of the people to sign up this year — and as of Wednesday, more than 3,200 had registered. 

“We set a goal of 2,500. We thought that’d be lofty,” he said. “It’s our 10th annual year and we are really thankful people are still doing this with us.” 

After running, it’s time to eat: Where to get takeout on Thanksgiving and during the four-week dining closure

Jenny Berg is the cities and schools reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-259-3680 or jberg@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @bergjenny.

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