The Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is challenging community members to brave the cold weather and travel on foot for 3.1 miles.

The run/walk event, called Snow Cold Virtual 5K, is being offered Jan. 29-31. During that time, participants can run or walk anywhere they would like as long as it’s a distance of 5K, according to Erin Habben, program supervisor.

“I’ve personally done a couple of these over the last few months,” Habben said. “They are very popular right now. In 2020, a lot of the in-person runs were postponed. This is a way to still get people active, but not have a gathering.

“I like to run, so I pitched the idea to our department and we decided to try it out.”

Participants can register at the link provided in the information box or contact Habben for more information.

Cost is $20. Deadline to register is Jan. 22.

Each participant will receive a light blue long-sleeve T-shirt that says, “Virtual 5K 2021” on it.

Participants are asked to track their distance and submit a photo to Habben to prove the run.

“A lot of people track the distance on their phone or use a Fitbit or Apple watch,” Habben said. “Or a treadmill counts it for you.”

Habben said she hasn’t always enjoyed running. But once she gave it a go, she was glad she did.

“When I first started doing them I was scared to death,” Habben said. “I thought, ‘Everyone is going to beat me.’ But you don’t even have to race against people, it’s just that you accomplished something that a lot of people won’t do. It’s rewarding and it’s fun.”

The run/walk is open to all ages.

“This is just an activity to offer,” Habben said. “We haven’t been able to offer much during COVID.”

Results should be submitted to Habben by Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. For additional information or questions, contact Habben at ehabben@fortdodgeiowa.org or call 576-7237 ext. 7205.

To Participate

What: Snow Cold Virtual 5K

How: Run or walk any time during the weekend of Jan.29-31 and submit results

Cost: $20, long sleeve T-shirt included

To register: https://apm.activecommunities.com/fdrec/Activity–Search/snow-cold-virtual-5k/1954

Registration deadline: Jan. 22

Questions: Contact Erin Habben at ehabben@fortdodgeiowa.org or call 576-7237 ext. 7205