BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — With so many public events canceled, including running events that many have turned all virtual, the iconic Space Coast Marathon was still a go.

According to Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Race Director Denise Piercy, runners had two options to participate.

“We have a virtual option as well, so anyone who is in the demographic that shouldn't be around people or not comfortable, then they can do it virtually, we have COVID protocols all written out and that’s what we started going with and did get approved by municipalities all over the county” Piercy said.

“Everyone is considerate, wearing masks and social distancing,” she added.

Not only is this event the premier running event to go to on the Space Coast, this is the oldest marathon and half marathon race in the entire state of Florida at 49 years.

The amount of people who registered remained the same as last year but half are doing it virtually and the other half are running in person. Almost 6,000 people participated this year.

For a moment, Maureen James said she was worried about this year’s Space Coast Marathon.

“Usually we do six half marathons a year and this is the only one that hasn't been canceled,” explained James.

“It’s a fun event, the neighbors come out and cheer us on, they give us alcohol, they feed us,” she added.

Virtual participants are able to submit their results until December 13, but for James doing the race virtually wasn't even an option.

“I’m tired of doing events virtually, I need to be outside with the community and my friends, that’s the most important part,” James explained.

The usual breakfast-after party, along with the awards ceremony, was canceled to reduce the risk of people crowding together.

This year their medals were in race packets, to reduce people touching and passing things to one another.