The YMCA of Southwestern Indiana has announced that three annual community races will transition to a virtual format this year.

The in-person running of the Evansville Half Marathon and Race Day 8k, which were previously set to be held on Oct. 3, were both canceled. The in-person running of the YMCA 15K, which was scheduled for Sept 12, was also canceled.

“For the safety of our participants and community, we, in partnership with our sponsors, have decided to move the YMCA 15K, Race Day 8K, and Evansville Half Marathon presented by German American Bank to virtual events," said Jennifer Brown, Chief Operations Officer for the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana. "This decision was not made lightly, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment that this may cause."

"The safety and health of our over one-thousand participants, hundreds of volunteers, spectators and, ultimately, our community is our top priority,” Brown went on to say.

In place of the in-person Evansville Half Marathon and Race Day 8k, the YMCA will be partnering with the Mayor's Office and its title sponsor, German American Bank, to provide ways Evansville residents can be active from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, with additional details expected to be released at a later date.

With the YMCA 15K, Race Day 8K, and Evansville Half Marathon now virtual, participants have until Sept. 19 for the YMCA 15k, and Oct. 17 for the Race Day 8K and EvansvilleHalf Marathon to submit their timing online.

Registration is still available through Sept. 11 for the 15k and Oct 2 for Race Day 8K and the Evansville Half Marathon. Participants will receive their 2020 race shirt and "sponsor swag" in the mail.

Proceeds from the race series help fund YMCA Community Outreach programs that serve over 2,000 at-risk youth each year through free programming focused on character development, life, and social skills, academics, and civic engagement.

For more information and COVID-19 updates on all the YMCA races, you can visit evansvillehalfmarathon.org.