BURLINGTON, N.C. -- A new virtual 5K and 10K will raise money for families, patients, and caregivers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the last 15 years, Hardin Watkins has been running marathons, one of his passions. What was once a fun hobby, has turned him into a cross-country traveler. His first race was in New York in 2005 and since then, he's run marathons in all 50 states.

However, he's participating in a run closer to home this time, but now there won't be other runners with him, just him and his wife. It's the "Cone Health Cares Virtual 5K and 10K." Hardin ran the 10K Sunday morning.

"I had a little bit of that feeling like I do on race day for the standard races that I do, a bit of nervousness, a little bit of making sure you’re doing everything right the night before whereas if you’re just doing a training run you just don’t see to be as focused," Watkins says.

The event raises money for the COVID-19 support fund which helps families, caregivers and patients in the community impacted by COVID-19. Director of wellness Jamie Athas told us that runners have their own route and can choose which distance they'd like to run or walk, and when.

“We thought especially since social distancing and we can’t be together during this time, it might be a really great opportunity to encourage everyone to get out and get some exercise while at the same time supporting our COVID-19 support fund," Athas says.

While it may not be what Watkins is used to, he said he still feels like he made a difference while doing something he loves.

“A neat opportunity to kind of make my passion, do some good work for those at Cone," Watkins adds.

There is still time to register on Cone Health's website. The deadline for the virtual run is May 31.