The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) will host its first virtual 5K, Run for Good, from Saturday, April 24, through Saturday, May 1. All are invited to register individually or as a team at http://www.ymcagbw.org/runforgood5k.

According to event organizers, each participant can choose the time and place to run or walk the 5K during the week, whether it be on a treadmill, at his or her local YMCA branch or on a neighborhood street or trail. Finishers will also be entered in a drawing to win daily prizes.

Runners and walkers do not need to be a member of the YMCA to participate. "What you would do is submit your time, (which is) how long it takes you to run or walk your 5K at one time any day that week," explained Kim Cavallero, YGBW vice president of marketing and communications. "The idea is to do a full 5K and then submit your time. We are going on the honor system."

During the week, participants are asked to post photos on Facebook and other outlets with the hashtag #RunForGoodYGBW. "We are hoping people will share on social media. We want to celebrate with everybody as they complete their 5K," said Cavallero. "It's a big accomplishment."

Special commemorative Run for Good T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. T-shirts can be picked up on Healthy Kids Day, set this year for April 24, or at a local branch after that date.

Healthy Kids Day is an annual YGBW event, but it was canceled last year because of the pandemic. "We are going to hold it this year at four of our branches," noted Cavallaro. "It's essentially an event to encourage parents to keep children active all summer long. We usually have moon bounces, police come and give motivational talks and there are group exercise classes. It's a free event."

She added that details for Health Kids Day are still being finalized. "It's a little different this year, so it will be taking them longer to figure out what activities to have and do safely," Cavallero noted.

All proceeds from the Run for Good will benefit YGBW's annual "CAMP-aign," which is designed to ensure that every child in the community has the opportunity to attend YGBW's summer camp program. Financial assistance is provided to ensure no one is ever turned away from the Y due to an inability to pay.

YGBW is working to raise at least $21,000 from the Run for Good, with additional fundraising efforts planned in support of its "CAMP-aign."

"We are hoping for 300 runners or walkers," said Cavallero, adding that YMCA branches are seeing an increase of activity by members. "We are really excited to see a change and to be planning events. It's refreshing."

The YGBW includes the following branches: Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Octorara YMCA Program Center, Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA. For more information, visit http://www.ymcagbw.org.