Tired of the same old treadmill or local running loops? Ready for a break from the cold winter weather? Want to find a new running partner to keep you motivated but don’t want to spend too much time commuting and getting sweaty in public? Enter the virtual run series!
A virtual run series is an online event that offers runners with all skill levels the opportunity to compete in 8 races over 12 weeks, with participants earning trophies and free giveaways.
Virtual Run Series
What Does Virtual Run Mean?
It means you run on your own, in your city or town (or anywhere you want) at your convenience, and shoot a video of the run using either a webcam or your mobile phone. Upload it to the race website, and the organizers will post it online.
The main races are 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon, while kids get to compete in a 500m dash. You can choose any date within the assigned races to complete your virtual run, as long as you stick to what’s specified in the schedule.
Running in a virtual environment functions precisely the same as jogging in any other setting; however, the participant is free to complete the race in any location, at any pace, whether they are running on a treadmill indoors or outside in a foreign country. You only need to compete in a race and show proof that you completed the task.
How Does Virtual Running Work?
The main races are a virtual 5k, 10k, and a half-marathon. There is also an option to register for a 500m kids dash. For these races, you can either upload your video to the race page or take a photo of yourself and share it once you have completed it. This way, the race organizer will get your proof and post that you’ve joined in on the virtual run series for that week.
Step 1: Find and run races
You can search for a race on the website or choose from a list of races published on the website. The races will be published on the virtual run series page’s calendar so that you know when you need to register and when your next race will be starting. You’ll also receive an alert for your selected race and can change it if necessary.
Step 2: Submit your results online
Submit your results online
When you complete your run and share it on the race website, it will appear on the leaderboard, where you can see how you fare against the other competitors. Also, using a webcam or mobile phone, you must shoot a new video of yourself running (or photos of yourself completing the race), upload it to Youtube or Vimeo and post the link on the website.
Step 3: Get your custom medal
Including your name and the number of races you’ve competed in, you will earn a unique custom medal on the website. You can also receive a trophy as a participation prize.
Virtual Running Activities that Make Your Next Race Exciting
Once you get into the groove of competing in virtual races, you’ll find yourself doing new things to make your training more intense. Here are some ideas for training events that can get your heart pumping and make running more fun:
Wear a weighted vest
You can buy a weighted vest at any sporting goods store or online and wear it while performing cardiovascular exercises such as running. The goal is to make each step count as you perform your regular running routine.
Perform vertical jumps
One great way to build up your speed and power is by jumping on a box or bench while wearing weighted shoes. This will enable you to work both upper and lower body muscles and help you complete longer strides with more power. Keep track of how high you are jumping, then note how many times you’ve jumped and use this information to decide how often to do it in training.
Mix up your running routine
If you want to spice things up, you might want to try running on different surfaces or at different times of the day. Just make sure you wear reflective or light-colored clothes to be visible to other people. Running in different weather conditions can also help intensify your routine and give you a change of pace regarding your training schedule.
10 Tips for Creating a Virtual Run/Walk
Now that you know how the virtual run series works, here are some tips for making your races successful:
1. Sign up for a 5k or 10K race close to home
The main reason you are participating in the virtual run series is that you don’t have time to go to a local running loop, have just moved into a new city, and aren’t familiar with any good running routes. Racing close to home means that if you have a very busy work schedule or don’t have time to wake up at the crack of dawn and head to the city, this is a way to compete without traveling.
2. Climb that hill
Climb that hill
Running up steep hills is not usually recommended for beginners and should be avoided due to injury rates. However, it can be done safely with the proper technique by using a fraction of the energy you would normally use. It also allows you to run longer with less fatigue, which is good for your training. Hills build strength and endurance and improve your overall cardiovascular system. Aside from this, hills are also great for increasing speed correctly.
3. Utilize Social Media
Post your goals and achievements on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and get encouragement from friends and family to keep going. You can also share with fellow competitors to stay motivated as well.
4. Get a new running partner
Virtual Running is also a great way to find a new running partner. Make sure that you are both committed to the race series since it will take some time before you start seeing your results and improvements.
5. Make sure your running shoes fit properly
If you are new to running, you might not know how to properly use your shoes or what type of shoe is right for your needs. Even if you are an experienced runner, it’s always a good idea to specify shoes’ sizing because this will help you get more out of the shoe and have more support when running.
6. Live Stream the Event
Suppose you want to create a virtual race series that truly shows the potential of running and live stream the event. You can stream or share your racing online and make it available for others to watch. It also lets you get feedback from your participants to see how they’re doing, which will help you make adjustments in future races.
7. Incorporate Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
If you want to ensure that the charity you are raising money for receives the money in a timely fashion, virtual Running can be a good way to take care of this. By competing in races, you can buy products donated by other competitors. This donation can also increase the prize value of your race and get better results.
8. Offer Discounts for Your Next Event
If you are already involved in the virtual racing series and want to get more people from your area to join in on the fun, offer discount codes for your next event. It’s a great way to attract new participants and encourage them to donate more money or buy more products.
Virtual Running is an exciting way to motivate yourself while earning awards and prizes with each race you complete. With proper training and planning, you’ll be able to make a difference in your running performance.
9. Send Swag Items
One of the best ways to make your virtual running series successful is to send out swag items that competitors can use. This could include a messenger bag, water bottles, a smartwatch, or other tech pieces that can help them with their training.
10. Attend Races in Person
If you build a good fan base for your virtual running series, you might want to attend your races in person and watch how competitors handle the course. Being able to see how they run will help you make modifications to the race in the future. If people are struggling with the course or aren’t excited or motivated, you can also refer them to a physiologist or running coach who can help them improve their running performance.
FAQs
If I participate in my local races, will I get a discount on the prize money for my virtual races?
Yes, if you have already participated in a race with the same race number as another virtual race series, you can ask for a discount on your next purchase. For example, if you’ve already won a free 5k running page from another local race, you can ask for an extra 10% off when purchasing a virtual runs 5k package.
Can I buy multiple virtual races?
Yes, you can purchase multiple virtual races if they hold the same number. You will receive a discount on your next purchase if you’re already a winner of another race.
Do I need to purchase all the virtual races offered under a race series?
No, purchasing multiple races is optional, and it’s up to you if you want to buy all of them or just one. You are also free to skip races that aren’t your favorite or that don’t have a good price compared to your other virtual selections.
How do I Start a Virtual Race Series?
With Competitor Group’s Virtual Race Series, you can register for 10k or 5k events online, and they’ll provide a course map that calculates your distance in real-time. If you’re planning on using the website for your race series, there are a few things you’ll need to consider: how many participants you want to get involved, how much money you want to raise for charity, and how much work will go into organizing the race.
How Do I Start a Virtual Race Series That Raises Money for Charity?
Depending on which charity you raise money for, you could attract different participants to your virtual race series. If you’re running for a cancer charity, people who have lost loved ones to cancer might want to sign up and show their support. It’s always good if you can find an individual or team who is willing to run for a cause and be willing to promote the race by sharing it on their social media sites.
