Seacoast Cancer 5K in Dover, NH Goes Virtual Due to COVID-19 Cases

One of the largest road races in the Seacoast region will not be held in person for the second year in a row due to COVID-19.

Officials at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover announced on Thursday that the event will be held completely virtually due to the rise in cases and the hospital's commitment to the community.

The race typically has nearly 3,000 runners and walkers. It is a fundraising event to celebrate the lives of those impacted by cancer, including patients, survivors and their families.

Honorary 5K Team Captain and NBC Sports Boston Celtics color analyst and former Boston Hoops favorite, Brian Scalabrine, has hosted the event for the past four years.

“As heart breaking as this is for everyone, myself included, it is what we must do to keep everyone safe and our community healthy,” he said in a statement.

Scalabrine noted that while the energy and positivity felt at the in-person event is second to none, runners can still make their own race fun, energetic and even more personal with their teams, friends and families.

Last year’s race transitioned to a fully virtual format six weeks ahead of race day. Over $260,000 was raised, according to a press release.

This year's $500,000 goal has been adjusted to $325,000. So far, $213,108 has been raised, according to the event's website.

“We’re thrilled to welcome runners and walkers from all over the world to participate in the largest fundraiser for the Seacoast Cancer Center,” said Jackie Eastwood, chair of the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation Board of Directors. “We’ve run a successful virtual event before that provides people with the opportunity to support cancer patients and families here on the Seacoast."

This year's race was originally scheduled for Sept. 26.

To see a full list of sponsors and sign up for the Virtual Anytime 5K visit www.SeacoastCancer5K.org.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.