Due to pandemic-related race cancellations and postponements, 2020 has seen a rise in popularity of virtual races.
Are you looking for your next virtual race?
I found the following virtual races with both t-shirts and medals as swag. Many are at budget-friendly prices, especially considering shipping and handling costs. Some races might have additional fees, like a sign-up platform fee or shipping. I tried to note these but I may have missed some. The races also vary in their results submission requirements and when you need to complete your run.
I'm not affiliated with any of these races and cannot vouch for their quality. Some races may have referral links. Please check all available information before registering in case of errors in the list below. Also note that some of these races support charitable causes and will give you the option to add a donation at the time of registration.
Why you should run this: Track Shack is a central Florida running institution, hit hard by the pandemic like so many small businesses. Support local! This is the first race in the Track Shack Running Series, and it's the 43rd anniversary of the series. Unfortunately the first three races in the series will be virtual runs due to pandemic restrictions.
Why you should run this: This month's budget champion! For less than $30 you can get your run in and earn some interesting swag while supporting a small race that was forced to go virtual.
Why you should run this: Pandemic-themed virtual races will surely bring back interesting memories in the future. The pandemic is what caused the explosion in virtual runs.
Why you should run this: This is another physical race that was forced to go virtual. Support a good cause and earn cute flamingo-themed swag.
Why you should run this: This is another physical race that was forced to go virtual. Support a good cause and earn nice-looking patriotic swag.
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a fun theme.
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a funny theme.
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a fun theme. Fans of The Office probably won't want to skip this one.
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a fun theme. The subtitle is "A 2020 Story". Fans of Star Wars and Han Solo probably won't want to skip this one.
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a fun theme. The subtitle is "Whatever You Do, Don't Set It To 2020". Fans of Back to the Future probably won't want to skip this one.
I sweat a lot when I run. I often use traditional terry cloth wrist bands to help mop sweat off of my face. I decided to try out some cheap cooling wristbands I found for sale on AliExpress, a Chinese online retail service known for selling merch...
I ran my first marathon, at Disney World, on January 7, 2018. It was one of the four races in the Dopey Challenge. The marathon was the 25th running and it was the 5th year of Dopey. Anniversary years mean special medals, and the bling from this series...
Arthur and I took a western Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Jade after Christmas, celebrating New Year's at sea. We stopped at five ports during the cruise, book-ended by two sea days. I had a couple of low-mileage runs on board during those sea days. The jogging track on the...
I love my Garmin 235 running watch. I've been using it for all of my runs since December 2016. I've got a simple black one. I decided to try out a replacement Garmin wrist band from AliExpress, a Chinese online retail service known for...
