Another tradition has gone virtual this year, allowing runners to partake in the Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K anywhere, anytime they would like until 11:59 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14.

Registration is now open and is $25 for adult in-person pick-up, or $30 if mailed and $20 for youth and veterans for both in-person pick-up, or mailed. Registration can be done at www.ftmyerstrackclub.com. All participants will receive a long sleeve T-shirt with moisture wicking and UV protection.

Packet pickup is between Nov. 7-14, at the Fort Myers YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd., during business hours. Times for the race must be posted by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 14.

“This year it is a virtual event, which most races have gone to in light of COVID. It’s open right now. Participants can sign up between now and Nov. 14. They just have to run the event anywhere between now and then and post time in the app RaceJoy,” Midpoint Madness Race Director Joey Belanger said.

The app, RaceJoy Live Phone Tracing and Cheer Sending, will be used for this run. The app provides GPS progress alerts, live GPS tracking for remote spectators to track participants’ progress, the ability to send-a-cheer with audio cheers from remote friends and family and virtual results with an entered race-assigned bib number.

He said during a normal live event the race typically attracts between 600 to 800 runners. This year with the virtual event, he said they have a conservative goal of 250 runners.

Belanger said with the race being virtual it may work to their advantage because individuals can run their own 5K (3.1-mile) route at a time convenient for them. He said he has been reaching out to friends and members of the YMCA who are not currently in town, who can still participate in the race.

“A lot of folks like the live aspect of it and gathering together,” Belanger said of the race, adding that this year it might attract new people who have never participated before due to it being virtual.

The Midpoint Madness Veteran’s Day 5K supports the financial assistance program for the YMCA. Belanger, who is the Fort Myers YMCA regional executive director, said they offer financial assistance for anyone unable to afford programs, which is utilized for a lot of youth. The assistance is used for such areas as membership, after-school programs and camps.

“We strive to not turn anyone away,” Belanger said. “Grants and donors help to support that scholarship fund.”

The Midpoint Madness is the YMCA’s biggest event of the year.

“It has been a tradition for many years,” he said, adding that in years past it has been held on the Midpoint Bridge between Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

Belanger encourages people to sign up for the race and get friends and family together.

“We have some groups that are signing up and running at their own time together,” he said.