STOP with VIRTUAL RACES

Juice Springsteen wrote:

What’s wrong with a virtual race?

It’s nothing like a real race. It’s weird how they have results, when everyone gets to pick their own route and you run alone without being able to see your competition. I did a free virtual half marathon and found it tough to do my race pace for that long ALL ALONE. I suggested to Strava that they add “Virtual Race” to the options when you select the type of run. You can’t just call it a race, because it isn’t.

But you are okay with colour runs?

I think virtual is fine and am putting one on too

https://athleticsillustrated.com/the-global-one-hour-virtual-race/

For me, I would rather race directors just cancel a race, explain that they’ve used the fees, have to meet payroll etc, and move on rather than convert virtual race and act like it’s fun or cool. Because it’s not. And people need to stop pretending like it is so we don’t have a goddamn culture of virtual races when this is all over

Bro Bible wrote:

Virtual races are fine if they’re free. But paying to do one just makes no sense.

Well that depends. Some of the Virtual races go to a good cause. For instance the only one I ever did was a Yellowstone anniversary race, and proceeds from the race went to the National Parks Foundation.

I see these stupid things all over facebook. There is one that mails you a t-shirt and donates 25% to a food bank, but keeps the rest of the 75% of the $30 "race entry". I remember when you could enter a local 5K and even get a t-shirt and it would only cost like $15-20...and I'm still in my 20s.

This is how every virtual race should be. It shouldn't cost $30 or more when the company doesn't have to pay for city permits, police officers, part fees, timing, etc.

Thanks.

agree, these are the same people (married/couples) probably doing virtual sex to stay safe

birdbeard wrote:

..

Yeah I wouldn’t pay. But in my case my race was not offering refunds so I figured I may as well get the gear and run my 26.2 on my own and test my fitness since there won’t be any races in the next few months to save my legs for anyway.

I agree. I like to run 2 marathons a year. Ran Boston last 2 years, decided to take a break and run the local marathon this May for 1st time. I can't get a refund, my options are deferral for either of next 2 years, donate the fee to charity, or submit a virtual marathon in a set time period May-July. I could also do the default option and run the rescheduled marathon in October, but I've signed up for another marathon in October. So virtual it will be, it keeps me motivated. I have a 20 miler training run tomorrow, no way I would keep at it without at least that small goal. I just like to keep running.

Nutsack McGee wrote:

It's not quite the same because you can't run down the middle of the street while traffic is there, .

Why not? The vehicles should be in their lanes. I wouldn't run in the middle of a lane, but the middle of the road should be perfectly fine.

please and stop wrote:

For me, I would rather race directors just cancel a race, explain that they’ve used the fees, have to meet payroll etc, and move on rather than convert virtual race and act like it’s fun or cool. Because it’s not. And people need to stop pretending like it is so we don’t have a goddamn culture of virtual races when this is all over

At least the fatties can't walk four across and block the road on an out and back course when it is a virtual race!!

Virtual races are ruining the integrity of the sport?

You’re being sarcastic or you haven’t been paying attention.

This sport has no integrity. We never know who wins an Olympic race because 10-12 years later we find out that the first three runners were taking PEDs.

If you don’t like virtual runs then don’t sign up with race directors races that have them. But for goodness sake please don’t insinuate that there is any integrity in sport. The goal is to win by any means possible. Cheating be damned but never forget that if you ain’t doping then you ain’t winning.

Believe me, all race directors would rather be putting on their normal events. But they also want to pay their bills and keep their staff paid. Kudos to any race director who is being creative to stay financially alive.

just wear orange and carry a boot wrote:

Nutsack McGee wrote:

It's not quite the same because you can't run down the middle of the street while traffic is there, .

Why not? The vehicles should be in their lanes. I wouldn't run in the middle of a lane, but the middle of the road should be perfectly fine.

LOL WHAT

Canada Girl wrote:

Juice Springsteen wrote:

What’s wrong with a virtual race?

It’s nothing like a real race. It’s weird how they have results, when everyone gets to pick their own route and you run alone without being able to see your competition. I did a free virtual half marathon and found it tough to do my race pace for that long ALL ALONE. I suggested to Strava that they add “Virtual Race” to the options when you select the type of run. You can’t just call it a race, because it isn’t.

+1

A lot of people signed up (and paid) for races that had to be cancelled. Change the name to “Run” or “Challenge” but if you have no competition, and you choose your route, and what time of day and what weather to run in, you’re not racing. And that’s fine... we can’t race after all. Just don’t call it a race.

To the OP,

I saw that ESPN is airing NBA players playing video games against each other.

I dont think integrity is being lost on virtual racing

Sure.

Do you expect a stupid medal or certificate for your time trial??

Virtual races are stupid.

My club is having a virtual race in two weeks. No fee, just run 5K between the sixteenth and nineteenth and send in the result. It is a good way to stay connected, keep running when you run solo, and keep your mind off your isolation.

Yup, I agree... no fee, no awards, just an excuse to go fast! Our SD5K runs from 7am today through 7PM tomorrow. Run a legitimate 5K course, have fun and get a little mental return on the the time spent training alone...