Virtual Runs. Is this a new thing?

Many of the races in my area have a virtual option and have had it for several years. People pay some money, less than the regular race fee, and receive a T-shirt and a finisher's medal in the mail. I don't see the point myself, but it seems like a harmless enough way to supplement the race's income.

amkelley wrote:

Many of the races in my area have a virtual option and have had it for several years. People pay some money, less than the regular race fee, and receive a T-shirt and a finisher's medal in the mail. I don't see the point myself, but it seems like a harmless enough way to supplement the race's income.

Because not showing up to a race tarnishes the participation medal.

You need to earn it.

When I finish my 5k marathon and tuck that glorious medal into the pocket of my Nathan hydration backpack, I know I've earned my medal, just as much as I've ezrned the right to a cheat day when I hit the brunch buffet that Sunday.

If you don't get that, I feel sorry for you.

Official Hobby Jogger wrote:

amkelley wrote:

Many of the races in my area have a virtual option and have had it for several years. People pay some money, less than the regular race fee, and receive a T-shirt and a finisher's medal in the mail. I don't see the point myself, but it seems like a harmless enough way to supplement the race's income.

Because not showing up to a race tarnishes the participation medal.

You need to earn it.

When I finish my 5k marathon and tuck that glorious medal into the pocket of my Nathan hydration backpack, I know I've earned my medal, just as much as I've ezrned the right to a cheat day when I hit the brunch buffet that Sunday.

If you don't get that, I feel sorry for you.

I have a feeling you are being sarcastic.

K&C wrote:

Official Hobby Jogger wrote:

Because not showing up to a race tarnishes the participation medal.

You need to earn it.

When I finish my 5k marathon and tuck that glorious medal into the pocket of my Nathan hydration backpack, I know I've earned my medal, just as much as I've ezrned the right to a cheat day when I hit the brunch buffet that Sunday.

If you don't get that, I feel sorry for you.

I have a feeling you are being sarcastic.

I certainly hope so!

I’ve done a few of them for NYRR, but there’s no shirt, no medal - it’s basically just a straight donation. I sync a random time on Strava and show up on some leaderboard, but I know full well that it’s meaningless. I just think of it as an interesting way to donate.

Otherwise I’d never do one. I could see the purpose for people who don’t have many races in their area.

I thought this was going to be about some kind of synced treadmill "race" where u have a virtual screen in front of you on your treadmill as you run through 3d scenic trails.. is this a thing? Because it should be..

have worldwide races..of course the treadmills would all have to be calibrated to perfectly match..im stoned, im outta here

I understand the donation aspect of it and I also can appreciate how it will allow for some people to donate without running. What I don't understand are the virtual runs that are strictly virtual runs that are not tied to any charity organizations. I feel like these organizers are just looking to make an easy buck. Are organizers just lazy or not care? Is this what racing is becoming?