The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera is hosting a virtual fundraising event aimed at supporting CSO programs while also encouraging people to get out and get active. Beethoven’s 5(th)K will take place Oct. 10-17 and can be completed from any location at the participant’s own pace.
The CSO performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in honor of Beethoven’s 250th birthday to a near sell-out crowd in January 2020, just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic put an early end to the organization’s 2019/20 season. The race was named in honor of this performance, and one of the interactive elements of the race will be a Spotify playlist featuring the piece that all participants can listen to as they complete their run or walk. Runners who use the popular Strava app will be able to take part in the Beethoven’s 5(th)K Strava Club, and a list of recommended local routes will also be available on the CSO’s RunSignUp page.
The unique fundraiser is part of the organization’s efforts to continue safely providing programming and events during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the virtual fundraiser, the CSO recently reformatted its 2020/21 season to include smaller concerts with fewer musicians and limited audience sizes.
“The pandemic has challenged everyone to think creatively about how to stay connected with the community while we can’t physically gather in the ways we typically do,” says Rebekah B. Cheney, CSO Development director. “A virtual 5K seems like a perfect way to engage people while also generating support that the CSO needs to keep the music playing safely.”
Registrants are welcome to run, jog, or walk the 5K at any time between Oct. 10 and 17. After the race, participants will receive an event T-shirt featuring the Beethoven’s 5(th)K logo and a digital race bag filled with prizes and discounts from the Hunter Museum of American Art, Tupelo Honey, Vibrant Meals, Chattahooligans, and more.
To learn more about the race and complete your registration, visit runsignup.com/Race/TN/Chattanooga/ChattSymphony5K. For question about sponsorship opportunities or participation in the digital race bag, please contact Rebekah B. Cheney at rcheney@chattanoogasymphony.org.