Rutgers’ Eric LeGrand’s ‘A Walk to Believe’ will be virtual again in 2021: Here’s how you can participate and help

Eric LeGrand did what he does best: Break records.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the inspirational former Rutgers player to cancel his 10th annual “A Walk to Believe” 5K run/walk/roll last June, scuttling his plans for a milestone bash. So LeGrand quickly pivoted and made the event virtual, getting participants from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well from 10 countries, to set a fundraising record for Team LeGrand and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord research.

Next up: Try to make most history and break last year’s $182,000 raised. The 11th AWTB will again be virtual on Saturday, June 12 with a goal to raise $250,000. You can donate or register here.

“We’ve already doubled the amount of money we’ve raised (three weeks out from the event compared to 2020) and people signing up, we’ve doubled the number of sponsorships,” LeGrand told NJ Advance Media. “We’re about to start the ‘52 for 52 Challenge again, and we’ve already gotten 24 states before we even announced it. It’s already taking off.”

LeGrand will open the event with an address on Facebook at 9 a.m. Participants will then have from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to get out and about before a streamed wrap party featuring former Rutgers stalwart DJ Yoshi, also on Facebook. If you register early enough, you will get a t-shirt that will be delivered prior to the big day.

LeGrand said he naturally wishes COVID-19 restrictions were lifted early enough to have the walk at Rutgers as usual, but he looks forward to making the 12th event in 2022 the biggest one yet.

“Last year, people were looking for something to feel good about and to get outdoors,” LeGrand said. “This year, I feel like people had such a great time last year, they feel good and they just want to be a part of it.

“We’ll be able to do it in-person next year. We’re just looking to have it in the best, safest way this year and have the best time.”

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com.

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