Finding it hard to train without a goal in mind? With a lack of races on the calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, virtual races are a fun way to keep motivation up. Whether it's a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon, we've got the training plans to help and have rounded up some of the best virtual races on the horizon to get signed up to:
Virtual Great North Run
Cost: Free
With this year’s Great North Run being cancelled, organisers have created a virtual event for runners who had started training or fundraising for the race. It’s completely free to enter, and runners will be able to download an app which will play sounds from past races, along with motivational messages as they take on 13.1 miles. Entries opened on Monday 3 August at 10am.
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How to take part in the race:
- You’ll need to register on the Great North Run website here.
- list of events.
- Purchase your race t-shirt and medal and have it posted to your door.
Lululemon Sea Wheeze Half Marathon and 10K
Cost: £21
Now in it’s 9th year, the Lululemon SeaWheeze half marathon usually takes place in beautiful Vancouver. In 2020, the race has gone virtual, opening up the experience to runners across the globe. The 2020 race will take place on Strava, meaning more runners than ever can take part in the race.
How to take part:
- How I learned to stop hating virtual races.
- Decide between the 10K or half marathon distance.
- The 90-minute dash races are happening throughout August, September and October, so get planning.
- Receive your medal in the post!
RunThrough virtual events
Decide between the 10K or half marathon distance
Race organisers RunThrough have taken their events virtual during the coronavirus lockdown. Matt Wood one of RunThroughs Co-Founders says: ‘RunThroughs vision has always been to improve mental and physical health through running. Due to Covid-19, we are, in the short term, not able to do this in person at our events, so we are putting our resources and time behind getting people out the door for a run alone keep them healthy and positive during a difficult time.’
How to take part in a race:
- Decide between the 10K or half marathon distance Study launches to track how Covid affects runners here.
- Race for Nature.
- Health & Injuries.
Natural History Museum Why you should keep running during stressful times
Cost: Free
Like this article Why you should keep running during stressful times this August, a virtual fundraiser open to all runners and families.The event, which is free to join, invites participants to run or walk the shape of their favourite animal in a nearby park or woodland. With no time pressure, entrants are free to draw up any creature they wish.
How to take part in the race:
- Sign up for free on the Natural History Museum website.
- list of events.
- Track your route on a mapping app (like Strava) and share photos with the hashtag #RaceForNature to be in with a chance of winning prizes!
The 90 minute dash
Cost: From £19
A socially-distanced event with a difference, you’ll have 90-minutes to run around the streets and take photos of yourself with a list of 60 items. You can team up and do this with others (virtually). After 90-minutes, the clock stops and you won’t be able to upload any more images.
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The Inca Trail Virtual Challenge
Cost: From £24.95
Always wanted to walk (or run) the 26.2 mile Inca Trail? Now is your chance to do it virtually, with this challenge. You don’t have to do it all in one go - every time you clock a walk, run, cycle or swim, you’ll move along the Inca Trail using the virtual app. You’ll then get an amazing finishers medal to celebrate your efforts.
Thank you NHS
Cost: £12.99
Raising funds for our amazing NHS with this challenge you pay £12.99 to enter and can then upload a run of any distance. The main aim of the challenge is to raise money for the charity NHS Charities Together.
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