The 23rd annual Race to Nowhere will roll out of the starting block with a new look while benefitting the same important cause, the Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Due to the pandemic, the usually single-day event will be expanded to the entire month of February. All proceeds from the event will continue to support the KU MS Achievement Center, which provides weekly physical and occupational therapy, cognitive stimulation activities and emotional wellness programming designed to enhance the quality of life for people with progressing MS.

The Ride to Nowhere is open to all ages and skill and experience levels. This year, participants can ride or run - indoors or outdoors - for 30 minutes anytime before 5 p.m., Feb. 27 then submit their stats online and email a photo of the distance from the treadmill, spin bike or fitness tracker along with their name and team name to msac@kumc.org. Participants may compete as individuals or part of a team and prizes will be awarded to both riders and runners.

The race will end at noon, March 1, with a livestreamed celebration featuring race results and winners. A link to the celebration will be emailed to participants and posted on the MSAC's Facebook page.

Standard registration is $40 and MS Achievement Center members and students ages kindergarten through college may register for $25. The fee includes a t-shirt and a gift bag. To register, visit the event website.

If riding or running isn't quite your style, the annual fund-raising event also will include a Wellness Challenge. Participants who complete five challenges each week will earn entry into a weekly drawing for one $50 prize or four $10 prizes. Registration for the Wellness Challenge is $10 and includes a t-shirt.

For more details about the 2021 Race to Nowhere and the Wellness Challenge, visit the event website and follow the MSAC on Facebook for the latest event updates.

"MS changes lives because of the disability it brings and the isolation it can cause by stealing a person's independence. It makes even everyday activities challenging. By participating in the Race to Nowhere, you're helping to change the lives of people with MS. Your contribution helps them reconnect with their communities, build their strength and independence and develop the confidence to tackle the challenges of the disease head on," said Judy Markwardt-Oberheu, MS Achievement Center executive director. "We hope you'll rally your family and friends to join us for this year's Race to Nowhere so we can continue to offer our programs to those who need it the most."

The MS Achievement Center is part of KU Medical Center's Department of Neurology.