TWO MEDFORDS. TWO COASTS. ONE ONLINE CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD RACE

BOSTON MAGAZINE

The virtual Medford2Medford Run Across America is in honor of Dave McGillivray's run across the country from Medford, Oregon to Medford, Massachusetts

Virtual events, in this day and age, are a little bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s a constant reminder of all our favorite events that have been canceled—some, for the first time in their history, like the Boston Marathon. And on the other hand, the widespread accessibility to the internet has allowed everyone across the world to come together and participate in events they couldn’t have attended in person, like the Head of the Charles Regatta and a vast list of virtual workouts.

And now, the virtual Run Across America is bringing together both your average joggers and weekend warriors, and celebrity and professional runners alike to log the entire length of Dave McGillivray’s historic 3,452-mile trek across the country in 1978 from Medford, Oregon to his hometown in Medford, Massachusetts to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

But don’t worry, you’re not actually trekking all the way across the continental United States (remember social distancing?). After forming teams, participants log their miles and watch virtually as they make their way from the East Coast to the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains.

Registration for the event is ongoing and includes the option for three different distances and differing numbers of teammates. You can do the full Run Across America at 3,452 miles with up to 20 team members, the Eastern States at 1,258 miles with up to 10 team members, or the Home Stretch of 142 miles with five teammates. All funds from the registration will go to charities hard hit by the pandemic, or for causes that are close to runners’ hearts. You have until August 29 to complete your run.

Among all those virtual runners is a stacked team of celebrity and professional runners, including former Boston Marathon winners like Meb Keflezighi and Joan Benoit Samuelson, former New England offensive lineman Max Lane, and Belmont native and World Marathon Challenge champion Becca Pizzi.

“I’m thrilled to see the interest and enthusiasm displayed by so many of our celebrity participants and it has been inspiring to follow them as they accumulate their miles and add to the overall team totals,” Dave McGillivray said in a press release. “I am so grateful they’ve joined us on this virtual adventure. Maybe someday we will rent a motorhome and run the real thing together!”

Also lacing up to run the race include NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, actor Sean Astin of Lord of the Rings and Rudy, former senator and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown, Dick Hoyt, former NHL All-Star hockey player Bobby Carpenter, and many more. So be like Forrest, and run!

For more information and to register: Medford2medford.com.