Annual Beat Beethoven run cancelled for 2020

The Annual Beat Beethoven run put on by the Kingston Symphony Association is cancelled due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. 

The race, which is an 8 km run, in which the runners try to finish the race before the Symphony finishes playing 50 minutes of Beethoven’s finest music, was scheduled for Sunday, Jun. 7 2020, and is one of the KSA’s main fundraising events. 

A virtual race was considered, but according to Beat Beethoven Race Director Robby Breadner, “an alternative wouldn’t compare to the amazing package of athleticism, music and community we have all come to expect at Beat Beethoven for the past 24 years, so we are looking forward to 2021.” 

Evan Mitchell, the Kingston Symphony Music Director, said that the cancellation of this fundraiser is a profound loss for the symphony. 

“Even though it’s the clear and proper choice, we are truly disappointed that the event cannot happen. It’s not only the loss of our flagship fundraising event, but a fun way for us to connect with our community,” Mitchell said in a press release.

“I know we will all miss seeing everyone in early June, but for now let’s all stay safe. We will return stronger than ever in 2021.”