Event Information
About The Race
The FBE Apple 5K and 2K races are events that are a celebration of education in Belmont. The 5k race passes by four of Belmont's schools (Burbank, Chenery, Wellington, and the High School) and recognizes Belmont's commitment to educating its young.
Now in its eighth year, the FBE Apple Run has brought thousands of runners to the streets of Belmont, Massachusetts to support public education and innovation in the Belmont Public Schools. Since our inaugural event in 2013, the Apple Run has raised more than $150,000 for the Foundation for Belmont Education, a 501c3 non-profit organization to make grants to the Belmont Public Schools to enrich the education provided to Belmont students.
2020 Virtual Race
2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought us into uncertain times. Due to state-wide restrictions, an in-person race is not permitted prior to the State entering Phase 4 of the pandemic response, which correlates with the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, the FBE expects our October race to be a virtual event. If circumstances change between now and race day, this will be revisited.
In the spirit of turning ‘lemons into lemonade,’ the FBE intends to make our virtual Apple Run a fun and inclusive event. See below for details on the event.
Race Dates and Course Rules
With 2020 being a virtual race, the race will “run” during a window that opens on October 2nd and closes at the end of the day on October 12th. Participants submit a GPS file or link from Garmin, Strava or other fitness trackers for verification.
Participants who wish to be eligible for prizes must run the Apple Run 5K or 2K routes during that window.
Participants who do not wish to be considered for a prize can run any 5K or 2K route during that period.
The 5K course can be found here (https://www.strava.com/segments/21336343) and the 2K course can be found here (https://www.strava.com/routes/2720813813075887320) . To submit your times and or photo click here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGfTPB1MT5XsjnoOjv1y76BimiFFwJFZcDpKxR_AKn3AKzxg/viewform?fbzx=-236863217449158002).
FBE will place signs at the start/finish line as well as the standard course markers. Further, we plan to have a finish line and photo area setup at the track to help support running the race on your own time.
FBE urges participants to follow all rules for social distancing and to beware of street traffic when running the course.
Registration and Pick-Up
Registration for the 2020 Apple Run will be online only. There will be no in-person registration or race packet pick-up. Packets for all registered runners will be delivered by hand or post prior to the start of the virtual race on October 2nd, 2020.
Virtual Team Registrations
As in past years, FBE welcomes team registrations for the 5K run. However, due to restrictions on group gatherings, we ask that group runs be restricted to families or groupings of individuals who have been quarantining together. Members of virtual teams consisting of individuals who have not been quarantining together should run the race individually. The Racewire platform will compile team results and standings from individuals who designate they are members of a given team.
2020 Couch-to-5K Program
The FBE will again offer its Couch-to-5k (C25k) program. For the past two years, this program has been paired with the race for an additional fee. This year, we invite runners to join in the C25k training program at no additional cost.
This program will begin 8 weeks from race day. We will offer beginner and moderate training programs with workouts posted to the FBE Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/foundationforbelmonteducation/posts) each week along with a training article to help coach runners to a successful 5k run.
As in past years, the C25k program will be led by Scot DeDeo, our race co-director. Scot is an ultra marathoner who has completed over 180 events. In addition to the above training plans and training letters, Scot is available to answer your questions, build your confidence, and help get you into shape for our run.
Race Swag
As in past years, participants in the 2020 event will receive race t-shirts for both the 5K and 2K races. Adult and Youth sizes are offered.
Details are as follows:
5K / 2k - A hi-tec short sleeve 'quik-dri' running shirt will be offered to the first 400 registered runners.
Additionally, Apple Run branded neck gaiters - a COVID-19 running essential - will be offered to the first 200 race registrants.
Results and Awards
A virtual event creates the opportunities for having some fun with awards and results. For the 2020 Virtual Apple Run, awards will be granted in the following categories with prizes delivered to the winner’s address or sent via post:
Fastest Male and Female 5k
Fastest Male and Female Combined (5k + 2K)
Fastest Male and Female 5k 12 and Under
Fastest Male and Female 2k 12 and Under
Fastest Team 5k
Largest Team 5k
Slowest 5k
Fastest Reverse 5k (run the course in reverse)
Most Times Run the 5k Course
Most Festive Running Outfit: Male and Female
A live list of results can be found here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZHTUJEgmui1G74TcyGVXMSboYoCmo8JXGdNlMWPBJVM/edit#gid=0).
About the Foundation
The Foundation for Belmont Education engages the community in supporting the excellence and enrichment of the Belmont Public School System. Through the generous support of private donors, the FBE ensures that all Belmont schools have the resources to inspire and prepare students for success.
Since 1993, the FBE has awarded more than $2.8 million in grants to finance over 614 projects initiated and organized by principals, teachers, and staff. Resources are distributed through Learning Excellence Grants, which provide up to $1,000 for small projects and up to $5,000 for those benefiting a wider group of students. The Special Initiatives program funds large-scale projects that enhance the educational experience for the entire student body. The Foundation is also committed to supporting teachers and staff through ongoing Professional Development programs.