Like most other community events this year, the Beachside Dash Fun Run will not go ahead in its usual format.
But the community can still get behind the major fundraiser for the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF), with the event set to go virtual this year.
Now in its 13th year, the annual Beachside Dash Fun Run has become a much-loved event for people of all abilities, from elite runners to families, school communities and teams from hospitals and businesses in St George and Sutherland Shire.
But the coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to rethink this year's event, which will go virtual for the first time.
Everyone is invited to 'Run for Research' when the event is held next month and like other years, all money raised will go towards much-needed medical research at St George and Sutherland hospitals.
"To ensure the safety and well-being of our community, we decided to go virtual to continue to provide an event for the people to get excited about and raise much-needed funds for medical research in St George and Sutherland hospitals," said SSMRF chief executive Leanne Dib.
She said the Virtual Beachside Dash is shaping up to be as close to the live event as possible.
Each participant will receive a Beachside Dash pack, including an official race bib, finishers medal and cheer stix.
Entrants will download an official tracking app, mark their own course, choose their race event - 2km, 5km, 10km or 21.5km - and complete their Dash between 5am, Friday, November 27, and 10pm, Sunday, November 29.
Ambassadors and sporting heroes, former St George Illawarra Dragons player Jason Nightingale and former world champion triathlete Craig Alexander support the virtual Beachside Dash.
Nightingale, who ran in the 2km event with his family last year, said cancelling the Dash would have been "a real loss to the community" and he was pleased it would go ahead as a virtual event.
"The Dash is such an important community event, promoting health and fitness for all ages, while also raising much-needed funds for the foundation," he said.
Alexander is no stranger to the event, having won last year's 10km race in a time of 33:46.
"It is always inspiring to run alongside runners of all ages and abilities - all running for the same reason, to support research in our local hospitals," he said.
He will not compete this year, instead focussing on being an ambassador and helping raise awareness of the foundation.
Sponsors include St.George Bank, St George Private Hospital, ANSTO, Ramsgate RSL and Austbrokers SPT Insurance.
Entries for the 2020 Virtual Beachside Dash are now open. Entry is $20 for a single, or $15 per person for groups of two or more.
Details: For information and entry forms click here.