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Amid pandemic, LADF challenges runners to go the distance to tackle homelessness, education, health care, and social justice 

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The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) announced on Thursday that the annual Biofreeze Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Run Presented by UCLA Health will shift to a virtual run experience for 6,000 participants November 8-15, 2020. Dodger pitcher Walker Buehler will be featured as its third limited-edition LADF run bobblehead, making it the only Dodger bobblehead to be offered in the 2020 baseball season.

The pivot from a live run in September to a virtual event in November complies with safety recommendations of the CDC due to the coronavirus pandemic, encouraging fans to stay safe and healthy while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines.

“Together, we’ll run the distance to improve education, healthcare, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos,” said Nichol Whiteman, Chief Executive Officer of LADF. “While we would love to connect in our traditional style, LADF will not waver as we improve health and education outcomes for youth who simply need a chance. With the incredible support of our partners Biofreeze and UCLA Health, runners across the city will push themselves to healthy limits to help amplify our mission.”  

Runners will participate in the distance of their choice (5K or 10K) and join an online runner community and social media week. A special drive-thru packet pick-up will also be held at Dodger Stadium on November 7 where runners can pick up their Walker Buehler run bobblehead, Dodgers ’20 tech shirt, finisher’s medal, race bib, LA RUNS swag, and enjoy sponsor giveaways.  

External pain reliever Biofreeze, known for offering their on-course Pain Relief Zone each year, returns as the Title Sponsor.  

“We’re excited to continue to partner with the Dodgers and LADF and still be able to offer fans a chance to get out and get active. Although we won’t be able to help runners cool their pain on-course this year, we will still be providing product so they can do so on their own,” said Danny Baumwald, SVP North America Consumer, Performance Health. 

UCLA Health also returns as Presenting Sponsor and will pivot their popular health activations to giveaways for runners at the drive-thru packet pick-up and offer health and wellness content to engage families at home. 

“UCLA Health has been working closely with the Dodgers Foundation to quickly adapt to the challenges of live events and support of our community throughout the pandemic,” said Becky Mancuso-Winding, Executive Director of the UCLA Health Office of Community. “We are thrilled to partner with the Dodgers Foundation on this first-ever virtual run and provide wellness content to all participants.” 

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power joins as Weekend Sponsor. 

Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation as they tackle the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos.  

This run is open to all ages, all levels, and all athletic abilities. Registration information, along with all virtual race details, is available online at Dodgers.com/Run.

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(Article courtesy of LA Dodgers)

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