Catching Up to the Statesman Cap10K

Cap10K Race Director Jeff Simecek answers the running community’s top questions about this year’s virtual race and what to expect in the future. 

Race Director of Cap 10k, Jeff Simecek.

AFM: Why are you going virtual this year?

JS: While there are some signs of improvement around COVID-19, we do not yet have a green light to produce a Cap10K that our running community has come to know, expect and love. Due to restrictions still in place and ongoing safety concerns for our participants, most likely we would have to cancel both the 2021 Expo and Finish Line Festival, plus adjust runner placement at the start line and on the course. Lots of changes that would make the Cap10K less of a Cap10K. Right now, we’re focused on producing a top virtual race, April 11-30. We’re also looking ahead to 2022 with great anticipation! Learn more at Cap10k.com/virtualrace. 

AFM: Do you still have a race beneficiary? 

JS: Yes! The 2021 race beneficiary is Marathon Kids — a wonderful national organization with a strong local presence. CEO Cami Hawkins and her team do phenomenal work getting kids up and moving. One dollar from each Cap10K virtual registration will go to our beneficiary. Plus, the Austin American-Statesman will match, up to $10,000, additional donations made by participants during registration. We always fulfill our promise to our beneficiary. Learn more at Cap10k.com/beneficiary.

AFM: What is the virtual course like? 

JS: Participants have a choice: Between April 11-30, they can run or walk their own 6.2 miles or change it up and enjoy one of 10 different Cap10K routes. Our routes start and end at local coffee shops across the Austin area. Learn more at Cap10K.com/virtualrace. 

AFM: What is included with a participant’s virtual registration?

JS: Each registered participant is entitled to a packet (mailed or picked up) that includes a 2021 race shirt, bib, finisher’s medal, finisher’s tape and sidewalk chalk. We want to help create an excellent virtual race experience. We encourage everyone to post their virtual race photos and videos and tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

AFM: What is the contactless drive-thru pick-up like?

JS: In a nutshell, safe, organized, efficient and fun! There will be six lanes for participants to drive through. Staff and volunteers will be masked at all times and really excited to see our runners! We did this same type of pickup last September for the 2020 race that was also canceled because of the pandemic. We were thrilled with how the event turned out and the positive feedback we received. We expect nothing less this year! Learn more at Cap10k.com/virtualrace and scroll down to Step 2: Packet Pick-Up. 

AFM: Do you have any giveaways planned? 

JS: Absolutely! In order to make this virtual event as fun as possible, we’re working with local sponsors and have already received thousands of dollars in giveaway prizes. Here’s how easy it is to enter: After completing the virtual race, participants should log their virtual time in their EnMotive account. This simple step will put them in the running (no pun intended!) for more than 40 awesome prizes, drawn at random. From us and our sponsors, it’s our way of saying we appreciate our running community and their support of the Cap10K. 

AFM: Will you have a photo contest?  

JS: Participants that tag us on social media, Facebook or Instagram, with photos of their Cap10K virtual achievement will be placed into a random drawing for photo contest prizes from local sponsors. This goes for the kids too! From these submitted photos, our staff will also pick and post their Photo Faves for fun. 

AFM: Anything else you want the running community to know?  

JS: Please mark your calendars for the 45th Cap10K on April 10, 2022! We intend to make it the biggest and best Cap10K yet. Many new sponsors have already expressed interest in partnering with our next in-person race. We can’t wait! 

I also want to say thank you to the Cap10K community for sticking with us. We know that the past three years of cancellations due to the thunderstorm and the storm that is the pandemic haven’t been easy. The support and messages we receive from runners, partners and sponsors mean so much to us. They help keep our spirits up and focused for the much brighter road ahead!