CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A Charlotte professional event management company is hosting a run/walk virtual challenge amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Spring, Start2Finish is hired to put on running, walking, and cycling events for nonprofit organizations. However, owner Jen Forsyth said COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 15 races her company had on the schedule. 

"Our revenue went from our busy time to nothing. It's been difficult as a small business in the Carolinas to move forward," Forsyth said. 

Start2Finish came up with the idea of hosting the Carolinas2gether six-week virtual challenge. It runs from April 6 through May 17. 

It encourages participants to run or walk a set distance on their own. Every week, the distance increases depending on the challenge level you choose. 

Charlotte resident Roger Purgason signed up to participate with his family. 

They chose level one, which means this week each person will do a 1-mile run or walk. On week six of the challenge, each of them will do at least one running or walking workout of 3.5 miles.  

"We saw that as a great opportunity to show solidarity what it's going on with our community, our nation and our world but we saw it as a great opportunity to get together as a family and have a challenge to get out and get fit,” Purgason said.

With the $25 registration fee per person, a participant receives a shirt, an opportunity to connect with other runners online. 

Participants completing the distance of the week and submit their time could be eligible to win a prize every Monday. 


"This is really personal challenges for everybody. Whether you are in level one and you are just getting out and make that one mile, or you are on level three and are doing a long 12-mile run, everybody is eligible just the same. We just want people out, moving and exercising," Forsyth said. 

On April 13, Charlotte Running Company will give away pairs of shoes to random winners in each category.

For more information, visit their website.