SAN DIEGO – April 19, 2021 – The San Diego Padres today announced the return of the Friar 5k Virtual Race. Open to runners and baseball fans of all ages, participants will receive a 2021 Friar 5k Goodie Bag featuring Padres-branded collectors’ items including a themed 5k finishers medal, plus an official hat, t-shirt and more. Registration for the second annual event will open on Monday, April 26 at Race-Padres.com.

“We are delighted to welcome the return of the Virtual Friar 5k and encourage healthy and active lifestyles in our community,” said Erik Greupner, Chief Executive Officer for the Padres. “Joining this virtual race provides a great incentive for fitness and an opportunity for San Diegans to get outside and celebrate the return of Padres baseball to America’s Finest City.”

The Friar 5k is a 3.1-mile virtual race in which baseball fans can participate anywhere by running or walking on a treadmill, sidewalk or trail. All adult and youth entrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, baseball Swinging Friar Finishers Medal, an exclusive branded hat and custom race bib and more shipped directly to each participant.

The Padres have partnered with EnMotive, producers of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k series, for the virtual event and funds raised through the 5K will benefit the **Padres Foundation**’s local covid-19 relief efforts. After completing their run, participants can upload their results, download a finisher’s certificate, checkout their overall and age group rankings, and upload photos to build a custom race video.

"Nothing says summer in San Diego like going for a run and enjoying a winning season of Padres baseball,” said John Smith, VP of Partnerships for EnMotive. “Last year the Friar 5k proved to be a unique and memorable experience for fans to show their support and this season’s virtual event is perfect for the Friar Faithful to have fun, get some fantastic race swag mailed directly to your door and support the most exciting team in Major League Baseball.”

Registration for the Friar 5K opens on Monday, April 26 and will stay open until the end of June. Fans interested in participating can learn more and register at Race-Padres.com.

About Padres Foundation

The Padres Foundation, established in 1995, is the primary source of funding for the club's outreach initiatives in the areas of children's health and wellness, education, youth baseball/softball, military and first responders. The Foundation raises funds through a number of programs throughout the year in which fans can participate, including the 50/50 Raffle, Shirts Off Their Backs, Padres Foundation Garage Sale, Online Auctions and many others. The Padres Foundation is focusing their efforts during this pandemic on food insecurity and support for frontline workers. For more information on the Padres Foundation, including how you can get involved, visit padres.com/community.

About EnMotive

EnMotive is a world-class data management and technology provider for the event industry. In addition to its fully mobile event registration, charitable fundraising, marketing, photography and on-site solutions, the organization is one of the largest timing and event production companies to the endurance industry in the United States. Based in Chicago with 12 offices across the country, the organization works with thousands of events, including Milwaukee Marathon, Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon and the Atlanta Track Club. To learn more visit EnMotive.com or contact [email protected].