The 2020 Manchester Road Race has gone virtual so there will not be any shoulder to shoulder runners as in years before.

Write-up and photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

This year there won’t be any large crowds running instead runners must register with a new app and then can run the 4.748 miles at any location of their choice, even at home . Virtual registration began October 1 and continues to Nov. 24 at 9 pm. The registration fee is $20 – registration is unlimited, according to the MRR website. Runners must complete the distance between 8 a.m. EST Thursday November 19 and 9 p.m. EST Wednesday Nov 28.

Elite runners, many from out of state, or global contenders have not be invited this year due to concern about the pandemic. Where ever runners are completing in the race, officials ask that they please practice social distancing.

Although most events connected with the race have been cancelled, the Ray Crothers MMR Blood Drive will still be held at Manchester High School Friday November 27th from 8 am to 4:30 pm.