Virtual races, virtual runs. Lots of people ask why, what;s the point??? Aren’t organized races about the people, the event, the day?!?! The answer is yes and no.
I love races, I love the people, the excitement, the event, the swag and the medals. I love running with other runners, mostly because I train alone. I love crossing the finish line and feeling that sense of accomplishment.
What I don’t love is the cost, the travel and the amount of time I spend at the race. A simple 5K can turn into a four hour event between the travel, the race itself and the awards. While I love racing, sometimes I just don’t have that kind of time to spend away from my family.
In comes why I love the virtual race! I assure you that is not all about the awesome medals that come as a reward for finishing, although these are awesome, don’t you think.
With virtual runs you are given a time frame of when to run the allotted race (5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, Marathon). You run it on your own or with a friend wherever you chose. Sometimes you get an awesome medal for completing the run and sometimes you get prizes. Fees are usually nominal and most go toward some type of charity, like DASA (Disabled Athlete Sports Association), which Jost Running is donating to when you register for their January races.
Another great benefit is the time factor. Depending on how fast you run the time you are away from your family is pretty much limited to your run time and does not take up a whole day.
I also think it’s great that anybody can do them. There is no travel and the associated fees. The money spent on registration is less, it usually goes toward a good cause and you can get an awesome medal!
Did I mention the awesome medals?!?!
Jost Running offers multiple virtual races each month at basically any distance you would want to race-5K, 10K, Half-Marathon and Marathon. If you cannot run, you can be creative in how you participate, you can bike, use the elliptical, swim, or any other way you can think of to complete the allotted distance. Submitting results is easy, you just email your results to Results@Jostrunning.com. You just submit your time or simply the word “completed”, if you are not comfortable having your time posted on their results page.
- The Jelly Bean 10K
- The Jelly Bean 5K 2012, 2013
- Virtual Turkey Trot
- Welcome to Summer Virtual Run
- Blogiversary Run
Virtual races rock!!!
Have you ever run a virtual race???
I have seen a few bloggers post about virtual runs, but I’ve never tried it, and honestly I wasn’t exactly sure what they were talking about. Thanks for demystifying it for me!
Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted..2014: Welcome
I did one for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who and got an AWESOME medal for it (plus they donated to the fund for marathon bombing victims). I may or may not do some this year, but I like the idea of them.
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted..My Pinky Toes Don’t Hurt
I’d been wondering about these. I never took the time to look into what they actually meant, but I’m glad I read your post! If it costs less and I can still get my miles in, then I’m totally okay with signing up for a few 🙂
Ganeeban recently posted..To Athena or Not?
I have run a couple of virtual races. I should do a few more. It’s so cold here, I could run them on my treadmill.
Jenn @comebackmomma recently posted..Healthy Recipe: Banana Bread
I love Jost Running… they have the best medals!!!
This is so cool! I’ve been hearing about them wondering what it’s about. Is there some kind of community feel to it via video or FB page or something? In other words, do the participants have a chance to connect virtually?
Suzanne @WorkoutNirvana recently posted..How to Use the Power Rack for Budding Badasses
Some hosts have FB pages, but connecting virtually has not been a part of it that i am aware. I think it is a great idea though!!!
I love virtual races and am signed up to complete one to support MS research later this month! I have done one already and am looking to do more while I am already getting the miles in for my marathon training. I figure why the heck not? I second all of your reasons they are so fun! My running group is going to sign up for some virtual races and run them together. 🙂
Jenn Speer recently posted..My training grocery shopping list
What a great idea! I work on Saturday mornings when most races take place. This would work much better. Thank you!
Pamela Hernandez recently posted..Monthly Workout Playlist January 2014
I LOVE virtual races, especially Jost, because they give you a time limit and post your results online. Makes it feel more like a “real” race. I use virtuals for motivation in my half marathon training (my first is in March!)
Chelly recently posted..Hi. Um, yeah. Can I Have, Like, a Do-Over?
I had no idea something like this existed! What an interesting concept!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted..When One Word Just Isn’t Enough…New Year’s Resolutions
Toni, I didn’t know these even existed! What a great way to get more people involved without having to undertake the cost of traveling to races.
Shira recently posted..The Power of Choosing Your Attitude
I’d like to sponsor my own virtual races for local charities. Any advice on how to organize these? I know I need medals and possibly shirts, but not sure about the rest, really. Thanks!
I basically had a google sign up sheet and then another google form for results, I also sent out a newsletter featuring the sponsors I obtained for prizes.