April 08, 2021

Join SIU’s “Rec Your Quarantine” challenge

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Here’s your chance to “Rec Your Quarantine” courtesy of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Recreational Sports and Services.

This unique virtual race allows you to get involved and get fit in a safe, socially distanced way, no matter where you are despite the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge is open to everyone.

Here’s how it works

The goal of this fitness challenge is simple. Complete the equivalent of two marathons, a distance equaling 52.4 miles, between April 25 and May 27. That breaks down to an average of 1.74 miles per day.

But, here’s the kicker. You can run, jog, or walk. Or, you can complete the miles by bicycling, rollerblading, on an elliptical, or even by crawling. You choose the way you want to accumulate the mileage.

While participants are encouraged to log their mileage while outdoors, that isn’t required. They can create a path in their homes, garages or wherever it’s convenient.  In addition, participants can attend a free group fitness class offered by the Student Recreation Center and receive one mile credit for each class. Access the online fitness classes at rec.siu.edu/programs/fitness/groupfitness/.

Then, just log your mileage online in the proper activity classification.

How to get started

The cost is $20 to participate in “Rec Your Quarantine”. The fee covers the cost of an event T-shirt and shipping the shirt to the participant’s home.

The deadline to sign up to be guaranteed a shirt is May 2.

Making the race fun

Follow the SIU Student Recreation Center on Facebook or Instagram to share in other participants’ race experiences. Organizers encourage participants to race with a friend or a team as working together toward a goal makes it more fun. Racers are welcome to share photos of their race experience by emailing them to smashba@siu.edu or by tagging the center on Facebook or Instagram.

For more information about “Rec Your Quarantine,” visit runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carbondale/RecYourQuarantine or email Savanna Ashbaugh at smashba@siu.edu.