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 many locations, with added safety precautions due to the pandemic. Check out your own local races to see if there is something available that you feel comfortable running. Often these races also offer a virtual option, with local pickup. Running a race put on by a local company keeps your money in the community and helps support local charities.
If you can't find local options, or you're just looking for more choices, I found the following virtual races with both t-shirts and medals as swag that will ship directly to your home. 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 personally 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: This month's budget champion is for a great cause. Run for Alzheimer's Disease Awareness during Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in November.
Why you should run this: Enjoy an interactive experience with RaceJoy during your virtual run. A kid's 1K and fun run are also options.
Why you should run this: This awesome race is one of my top five favorite runs ever. The run supports Save the Chimps, a sanctuary for chimpanzees in Fort Pierce, Florida. The physical race usually runs through the sanctuary, giving participants the unique opportunity to view the facility that is not normally open to the public. I ran this twice before: Chimpathon 2017 and Chimapthon 2018. This year's race in April was originally postponed to November but ultimately turned into a virtual run. Run 10K or 5K to support the chimps.
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. I ran the Celebration of Running in August and my packet was shipped promptly after I registered so I got my swag in no time.
Why you should run this: This is a fun, flexible-date Turkey Trot with a hoodie for swag. Add-on apparel options are available. Considering the swag, this is a budget-friendly virtual Turkey Trot.
Why you should run this: Run a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving to earn your feast! Pick this one for the fun swag ("ornamedal") and supported charities.
Why you should run this: This charitable Turkey Trot was forced to go virtual due to the pandemic. Run this one on your own time (Thanksgiving Day not obligatory) and get a long sleeve shirt & medal for your race. Earn a $5 coupon off the next Park Falls virtual run. At registration you have the option to purchase extra shirts.
Why you should run this: Another great budget choice for this month! Here's a chance to run a virtual race that's not a Turkey Trot this November.
Why you should run this: This race, put on by a local central Florida race company, has a fun sloth/2020 theme and great swag, including the swinging sloth medal. You can also register without the shirt for a cheaper option.
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 some of my previous monthly virtual races to run posts. The race has been extended at least 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 some of my previous monthly virtual races to run posts. The race has been extended at least 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).
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