Submitted Photo The starting line of 2019’s 1891 Run for the Fredonia Opera House.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions on large public gatherings in place throughout New York state, the 1891 Run for the Fredonia Opera House scheduled for Sunday, July 19, has become a virtual run/walk with an expanded race period that begins on July 19 and ends on July 31.

The 1891 Run is a major fundraiser for the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center. It originally had been scheduled for April 26; but in March was postponed to July.

Runners and walkers participating in the event have three ways in which to participate, virtually:

¯ Register for the race, then download the free RaceJoy app and complete the normal 1891 Run course, which is outlined below; or

¯ Those who do not live in the Fredonia area and cannot complete the normal 1891 Run course, register for the race, then download the free RaceJoy app and complete a 5K run/walk using their own 5k course anywhere; or

¯ Those who cannot run with a cellphone or are not interested in the RaceJoy App, complete a 5K run/walk using their own timing device on the normal 1891 Run or a 5K course anywhere. Afterward, report the runner’s time following instructions that will be received by email on July 19 from the timing company.

Anyone who pre-registered for the run does not need to register again; their registration is already secured. All registrants will receive a reminder email from the race timing company on July 19 with instructions for reporting results.

RaceJoy is a free phone app for iPhone & Android devices designed to maximize the experience for both participants and their supporters. Runners will be assigned a number and time period (July 19-31) to run the course. At the starting line runners simply open the RaceJoy app and find their race. When ready to run, participants press the start button. At the finish, runners receive their time and place on the live leaderboard. Runners also are able to submit time via text message or through their online registration profile. Runners not using the RaceJoy app can report their times for results posting, but are not eligible for medal consideration.

Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall, and to the top three male and female finishers in the masters category (age 40 and older). T-shirts are guaranteed to all those who register before July 19.

The normal 1891 Run course begins on Day Street between Lambert and Church streets adjacent to the Fredonia Village Hall parking lot, and ends on Church Street directly in front of Fredonia Village Hall. It includes portions of Temple Street, Central Avenue and Brigham Road, as well as a portion of Ring Road on the State University at Fredonia campus.

“There is a short, small incline at the start of the course; otherwise, this is a flat, fast course,” said Rick Davis, Opera House executive director. “It is USATF-certified (#NY17080JG).”

A map can be found on the Opera House web site using the 1891 Run link at the top of the page.

The Opera House will provide Swag Bags for all participants in a drive-thru format on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 1-3 p.m. Swag bags will include various items that would have been included had the 1891 Run been held live. For those who register prior to July 19, T-shirts will be included. Medal recipients also will be given their medals at this drive-thru pick-up.

All registrants’ names will be entered into a random drawing for a variety of prizes. Winners names will be drawn on July 31. Winners will be given their prizes at the Aug. 2 drive-thru pick-up. No medals, T-shirts, prizes or swag will be mailed.

Money raised from the event help support programming and general operations for the Opera House.

The cost of registration is $25 for adults, $15 for students (age 21 and under). To register online, visit www.fredopera.org.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of Opera House events is available at www.fredopera.org.