The highly anticipated Bank Windhoek Relay, which was postponed in March during the national lockdown, was relaunched on Monday, 6 July 2020. Revamped to the Bank Windhoek Virtual Relay, the inclusive event, a first for Namibia, will take place on Saturday, 1, until Sunday, 2 August 2020. “In support of the social distancing measures and our efforts to fight COVID-19, we are proud to introduce the Bank Windhoek Virtual Relay," said Bank Windhoek's Head of Corporate Social Investments (CSI), Sponsorship and Events, Bronwyn Moody.
In collaboration with Farm Windhoek Fitness, the charity-based event aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle and enhanced physical fitness to mitigate the risks of COVID-19. “All you have to do to participate as a four-member team, after registering via Webscorer.com, is to run or fast walk your distance wherever you are in the country," said Moody.
With the option of choosing whether to donate an additional amount to the charity, the entry fee per team is N$120. After the event, the money raised will be given to various charitable initiatives countrywide. Registration closes at noon Sunday, 2 August 2020.
Format and structure
The Bank Windhoek Virtual Relay will see participants compete in three categories: women, men, and mixed groups. Moody added that the combined categories could include two from either of the two main categories or three males and one female, while the men's team can comprise three males plus a female or just an all-male group.
Participating teams can choose to run 21.1 kilometres (km), 42.2km, or 63.3km, on the road, track or a treadmill. Each side will decide on how far their participants will run. The running times must be tracked using the race timer application from a phone, watch, or any electronic timing device, allowing participants to upload their recorded times on Webscorer's website. “When added, your runs must equal the range you entered," said Moody.
She also encouraged those without a running watch or a fitness app to load a reliable activity tracker application of their choice and make sure that it tracks their routes and uploads it to the website.
Participants in the Bank Windhoek Virtual Relay will stand a chance to win cash prizes, as well as have an opportunity to take part in lucky draws and best team photo competitions on social media with #BWRelay2020.
"By hosting an event of this nature as we adapt to the new normal, we are hoping to affect positive change and assist with uplifting the lives of the communities in which Bank Windhoek operates," concluded Moody. For more information, please send an email to farmwhkfitnessevents@gmail.com.
