As the Coronavirus outbreak has caused everyone to be confined to their homes, many have turned to exercise to keep busy and healthy. Will Navas, of Great Falls, a sophomore at Langley High School, is using it to raise money for children in his community by organizing a virtual 5k race that donates all proceeds to Communities in Schools of Northern Virginia (CIS NOVA).

The concept of a virtual 5k may be foreign, but it allows for participants to choose when and where they run. Navas explains how potential runners can sign up through a Google Form and pay the entry fee through GoFundMe.

“The virtual 5k is going to be on May 23 and the runners will be able to race any time of the day. The tickets to join only cost $10 and you can pay through the GoFundMe page that has been set up.”

Navas chose CIS NOVA to donate to because it reaches children affected by the closure of Northern Virginia schools.

“Given our current situation, many children in underserved areas are unable to get basic services they normally get at school. CIS NOVA helps bridge the gap in wraparound services like food, mentoring, and tutoring.”

An organization called Positive Tracks that spreads awareness through sports helped Navas start his event.

“They helped me with getting the word out about my 5k on my social media platforms and they also helped with setting up the GoFundMe page.”