LONGPORT - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Mile, sponsored annually by the Longport Volunteer Fire Department, is going vitural.
The event, held each year on July 4, usually attracts about 1,000 people running the mile-long course. Entry fees raise money for the volunteer fire department.
The department also had to cancel its Memorial Day coin drop, which will affect revenue needed to provide the services and equipment needed to protect the public.
Instead of running along Atlantic Avenue, participants are being asked to register and complete a 1-mile run on their own, submitting their time.
Every runner who signs up before the June 20 deadline for registrations will be guaranteed a 2020 American Mile commemorative T-shirt. T-shirts will be handed out 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4 at the firehouse located behind the Longport Historical Society, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Registration is $20. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Longport/TheAmericanMile?fbclid=IwAR07otYSikfyjoT7es3QY_ZkU9LJycxp0oyPGSfoaZ0RC-jSFwmn981s9pw
For additional information, email Chris Ricciotti at [email protected]