Don’t Stop Running — Check out these virtual runs!
Missing the social aspect that comes with running?
We are too. Luckily, running during this global pandemic does not have to be completely isolating. In fact, it can still be done with a large group of people, virtually of course! We’ve recently found that many running organizations and groups across the globe are taking their regularly scheduled runs and events online!
Now we know “virtual running” does not compare to running outside with your local group or at an event you had been training weeks for, but what better time to try something new than now? Who knows, you may end up finding a new profound joy from participating in virtual running events! Even better, many of these virtual runs donate their proceeds to charities and even send you a finisher’s medal afterwards.
Below we’ve included a list of both free and paid virtual runs that you can partake in. Kudos to the running community for being quick on their feet (no pun intended) and finding an alternative.
Lastly, please be sure to continue practicing social distancing even when going out for a run!
Check out these opportunities below:
Free Challenges:
Strava Challenges — what runner does not love Strava? If you haven’t heard of it, Strava is basically a social media and activity tracking platform for runners, cyclists, and more. Strava offers a WIDE range of run challenges for its users. Best of all, it’s FREE to participate. We’ll be hosting some virtual runs on our Strava group as well — link.
My Virtual Mission— this is really cool platform I just found out about! My Virtual Mission is a FREE platform that allows you to create your own global workout mission and easily track your progress. You can create your own virtual challenge or join The Conqueror’s virtual challenge. Best of all, My Virtual Mission can sync with Strava, Fitbit, Apple and more. We will be giving this a go while we’re having a shelter in place.
Quarantine Backyard Ultra — is a fun and free one. On Saturday, April 4th, at 7:00am Mountain Daylight Time (GMT-6) this ultra will take the kickoff and be streamed on YouTube! The event will also have live updates on Facebook.
Running Down Dementia — “go the distance for dementia.” Between April 1 to April 31, you can participate in this virtual event for free and you can also help fundraise for this cause.
Virtual Groups & Events (paid — but many of these contribute to some amazing charities!):
Gone For a Run — a leader in virtual races for over 6 years now. They have numerous race packages available to choose from, an awesome online community, and best of all, they have raised thousands for charity!
Virtual StarKid 5K and Family Run — is a fundraiser for the Inova Children’s Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. This 5K has been held annually for the last 14 years. Quick on their feet, they’ve transitioned this year’s run into a virtual event.
Virtual Pace Series — offers an endless amount of virtual running opportunities. They are a virtual running focused organization and also send you a medal for completing their runs.
Virtual Runner UK — another awesome virtual race group based in the UK. Pick a race to participate in from their extensive list, submit your results online through their own app, and get your custom medal! They also focus their efforts on donating to charitable organizations which is always a plus.
RunThings — is another virtual-based running organization. 50% of all proceeds go towards charity and the founders, Kev and Clare seem like some really down-to-earth folks!
Virtual Running Club — its name speaks for itself, VRC hosts virtual running events and fitness challenges.
RunJunkEes — has a pretty extensive list of virtual running events.
Virtual Run Events — another organization that hosts virtual runs and donates a portion of runner’s fees to a charity of their choice. They focus a lot on giving to charities which is always great to see.
