Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system headquartered in Wallingford, has announced plans to safely resume its annual Gaylord Gauntlet 5k Trail and Obstacle Run on June 26, 2021. Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, proceeds from the seventh annual event will support the Gaylord Sports Association which offers adaptive sports and recreation programs to adults with physical disabilities and visual impairments at little- to no-cost as well as other mission critical programs within the hospital The Gaylord Gauntlet is the brainchild of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen Holland who stressed that strict COVID measures will be in effect “at all times” throughout the event. “Providing a safe race is our first priority,” he stated. “We have taken measures this year to decrease each wave of runners by 50 percent and we are actively working to meet - and exceed - suggested guidelines from the Department of Public Health.” The Gauntlet will be held entirely on the 400-acre Wallingford campus of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. The course offers a blend of wooded trail and open field running with 24 natural and man-made obstacles along the way to test an athlete’s strength and endurance. Mud will be used sparingly and upper body strength will be featured in some obstacles including a rock wall climb and vine swings. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. with the initial wave launching at 8:00 a.m. and the final wave launching at 2:00 p.m. The Gauntlet will be held rain or shine. All runners will receive a one-of-a-kind Gaylord t-shirt, Gauntlet face mask, and a ticket for a free beer or other beverage. Food will be available for purchase, but the traditional festival area and awards ceremony will not be part of the event in order to comply with safety and social distancing concerns. Online registration for individuals aged 12 and over can be completed at www.gaylordgauntlet.org.