Wanna run in the 2021 Oak Barrel Half Marathon? Then may we recommend you set your alarm for Sunday, November 15. Registration opens that day promptly at 6 a.m.

The popular annual event brings hundreds of runners to Lynchburg each year. After moving the event to October as a COVID-19 precaution in 2020, the race will move back to its traditional April date in 2021.

Organizers say they plan to proceed with “a normal” race in 2021 but “if COVID-19 is still a factor in April, we will have to use the procedures we put in place for the 2020 race,” race officials said. Those procedures included a staggered start, self service watering stops, and no post-race party.

Should changes to the April 3, 2021 date be necessary, organizers already have a plan in place. Registered runner would be offered a full refund, a virtual registration, or could simply move their registration to the new date.

The Mach Tenn Running Club hosts the event annually in Lynchburg. The majority of the funds raised go back into the race but any remaining funds are donated to Lynchburg charities like Moore Cares, Moore County Volunteer Fire Department, Friends of Animals, and other regional non-profits. To register, visit the Oak Barrel Half website by clicking here. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page by clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}