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. Several of these runs have 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. I cannot vouch for their quality, except for the one(s) I ran, as noted below. 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. If you're in central Florida like me, support local with this run! Track Shack typically offers quality swag and this is an affordable race to run no matter your location. You can use the Real-Time Remote Racing (RTRT) app on your smartphone to have a virtual race experience when you run between 6AM and 12PM Eastern on race day, with real-time results, on-course cheers, and more. Otherwise you have the option to submit your results via email before midnight on September 6th.
Why you should run this: This is a physical charity race that was forced to go virtual due to the pandemic. The race typically takes place in the spring but due to the event's postponement, runners can now complete the race on what would have been the namesake's birthday, on September 10th. Note that if you have your swag shipped, it will go out after race day.
Why you should run this: This is a physical charity race that was forced to go virtual due to the pandemic. The finisher medal is optional and will save you $10 if you don't want it. This is Brevard County's biggest 5K race each year so it's a very popular run. The shirt artwork looks beautiful this year.
Why you should run this: This race has cute swag. You can use the RaceJoy app for an interactive virtual experience.
Why you should run this: Track Shack is a central Florida running institution, hit hard by the pandemic like so many small businesses. If you're in central Florida like me, support local with this run! Track Shack typically offers quality swag and this is an affordable race to run no matter your location. You can use the Real-Time Remote Racing (RTRT) app on your smartphone to have a virtual race experience when you run between 6AM and 12PM Eastern on race day, with real-time results, on-course cheers, and more. Otherwise you have the option to submit your results via email before midnight on September 20th.
Why you should run this: Support a great animal cause and get fun sloth (the mascot for some runners) swag. Above price info is for the Virtual 1 Miler; you can also run the 4 Miler for $45 plus fees. Even with all the add-on fees, the 1 Mile race looks like a good value for a virtual charity race.
Why you should run this: Chose your distance: 5K; 10K; or Half Marathon. This looks like a very good cause.
Why you should run this: This month's budget champion race! Chose your distance: 5K or 15K.
*Note: Only the first 25 registrants will receive a medal -- register fast!
Why you should run this: This virtual run has fun swag and a fun theme. Choose your distance: 5K or 10K. Any runner who lives for Pumpkin Spice season won't want to skip this one.
Why you should run this: Choose your distance: 5K; 10K; or Half Marathon. Sign up with friends to save on your registration ($5 off for each friend). You also have the option to purchase extra shirts and medals at a slightly discounted price.
Why you should run this: Choose your distance: 5K up to Marathon. This race has cute swag and a fun seasonal theme. The shirt is optional and will save you $5 if you don't want it.
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.
Note: I included this one in my Virtual Races to Run in August post. The race has been extended another month. I ran this one myself and I just love the mashup of Star Wars and the current situation here in 2020. It's nice to be able to choose a t-shirt or tank top (I picked the t-shirt; it's a nice everyday wear unisex tee).
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.
Note: I included this one in my Virtual Races to Run in August post. The race has been extended another month. I ran this one myself and I just love the mashup of Back to the Future and the current situation here in 2020. It's nice to be able to choose a t-shirt or tank top (I picked the t-shirt; it's a nice everyday wear unisex tee).
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? Local race companies are starting to run live events in...
Over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, Arthur and I took an 11-night Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Dawn. I did one 5K on the ship for a virtual race (Stress Buster), which I completed while the ship was at sea on Christmas Eve.
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. Several of these runs have budget-friendly...
For the past two years I purchased a Daruma doll at the beginning of the year. It is a modern Japanese tradition to use the dolls, symbols of good luck and encouragement, in the setting of goals for the new year. I made my running goal, filled...
