Southern

Run For Racquets

Ron Cioffi | March 08, 2021


Run For Racquets - a virtual 5K run - was rolled out Feb. 26-28 with more than 450 participants. 

 

For every registered participant, a racquet was placed in their community. A team of sectional and state staffers led the effort. Here’s the breakdown by state and some stand-out areas: 

• AL – 30

• AR – 23

• GA – 63  

• KY – 101

• LA – 16 

• MS – 11 

• NC – 102

• SC – 69

• TN – 34

 

Areas with double-digit presence as deemed by the participants 

(i.e. pre-zip code filter) in alpha order:

  • Charlotte Tennis Association
  • Jackson West Tennessee Tennis Associaton 
  • Raleigh Tennis Association (RTA)
  • Western Arkansas (WATA)
  • Savannah Area Tennis Association (SATA)

 

What is a virtual 5K?

Even in non-COVID-19 times, it’s challenging to come together as nine states of USTA Southern - a virtual 5K run allows you to choose your own location, time and date in which to participate. You still are encouraged to run, but we won’t all be together for instance at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the local park.

Do I have to run?

Nope. You can run your 5K, walk it, complete it on an elliptical - even cross-country ski it if you have snow. No obligation to run - the idea is to get some fitness, however best for you.

When do I run or walk or use my elliptical or whatever else I’m doing for the 5K?

We hope participants will complete their 5K over the weekend of Feb. 26-28, either Friday, Saturday or Sunday, whichever works best for them.

Where do I report back after my run/walk/whatever?

Technically, you’re on your honor. We are not tracking completion of the 5K - it’s up to you. We do hope you will share pictures and video on social media both leading up to and during your 5K.

Is there a hashtag for social media?

#RunForRacquets

Where do I register to participate?

www.runforracquets.com

How much does it cost?

$25 per participant
 

What is this supporting?

This event is supporting the growth of tennis in USTA Southern. Event fees will be shared between the Southern Tennis Foundation and the nine state tennis foundations of the nine states of USTA Southern, all of which support local tennis efforts. 
 

Can I add an extra donation for the Southern Tennis Foundation?

Absolutely. There is a spot on the registration form to do exactly that.
 

Why is it called “Run for Racquets”?

For those registrants who live in USTA Southern, based on their zip code, a racquet will be provided to a local tennis organization - like a community tennis association (CTA) or NJTL chapter.

Is there an email address where I can ask questions about the race?

runforracquets@southerntennis.com

Can I run as a team?

Sure can. We don’t have a specific team sign-up space, but you are welcome to create a team in your area, perhaps with your CTA, and encourage registration and participation.
 

How can I spread the word to others?

You can share the www.runforracquets.com website with your friends, family and colleagues. You can use the hashtag #runforracquets on your social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can forward the email - runforracquets@southerntennis.com - and flyer to anyone you think might be interested. You can even contact your local running shop and see if they’ll list the opportunity on their race calendar for runners and walkers.
 

Should I have my community tennis association (CTA) participate?

Yep. CTAs will benefit directly from more people in their community participating, by more racquets being generated. Plus, we want everyone to get fit, have some fun, and give back.

I love this idea! Will USTA Southern hold more virtual 5Ks in the future?

We will definitely consider it, based on the interest and success of this one - let us know what you think.

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