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.
1 WUCF 5K Annual Fun Run - Virtual!
- Cost: $35 plus $3 Shipping & Handling
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal, Tyvek Bib
- Registration Ends: October 10, 2020; register by September 27, 2020, to receive swag by race day
- Complete the Race: Race day is October 11
Why you should run this: Just because we can't run races in person doesn't mean we can't support the great causes that use races as fundraisers. WUCF is Orlando's local PBS station and this run, virtual due to the pandemic, supports the public channel. The event celebrates the 50th anniversary of PBS and the medal features a red cardigan sweater as a tribute to Mr. Rogers.
2 The House DC's 2nd Annual Candy Corn 5K
- Cost: $35 plus $2.50 SignUp Fee | Shipping presumed included
- Charity: The House DC
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal, Bib
- Registration Ends: October 15, 2020
- Complete the Race: Run between October 16, 2020 and October 19, 2020
Why you should run this: Support a great cause and get some fun swag for your run. Make it fun by dressing up for this Halloween-themed charity run.
3 Fall Festival of Colors Virtual 5K Run/Walk
- Cost: $25 plus $2.50 SignUp Fee | Shipping presumed included
- Charity: The Good Fight Community Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Swag: Long Sleeve T-Shirt*, Medal
- Registration Ends: October 17, 2020 | Register by September 21, 2020 to get the shirt
- Complete the Race: Race day is October 17, 2020
* Note: Register by September 21, 2020 in order to receive race shirt!
Why you should run this: This month's budget champion race! Support a great cause and get a long sleeve t-shirt & medal for your run.
4 U Can Finish 5 Mile & 2 Mile
- Cost: $33 for either distance plus $3 Processing Fee + $3 Shipping; local pickup available in Orlando, Florida
- Charity: Track Shack Youth Foundation
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
- Registration Price Increase: October 10, 2020
- Complete the Race: Race Day is October 18, 2020
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. I also enjoyed using the interactive Real-Time Remote Racing (RTRT) app during the race, a feature that is also available for the U Can Finish races. Run between 6AM and 12PM on race day to have a virtual race experience with real-time results, on-course cheers, and more. Run the 5 Miler, the 2-Miler, or upgrade your registration to run both distances and receive extra swag.
5 Med Center Health 10K Classic
- Cost: $25 plus $2.50 SignUp Fee plus $7.50 Shipping (local pickup available in Bowling Green, KY)
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
- Registration Ends: October 23, 2020
- Complete the Race: Run between October 3, 2020 and October 24, 2020
Why you should run this: This is another budget virtual race for October. Choose from 10K or 5K distances. Wheelchair division is also available, as is a 1K kid's race.
6 Ghost 5K or 10K
- Cost: $35 plus $3 SignUp Fee | Shipping presumed included
- Swag: Glow-in-the-dark Medal, T-Shirt
- Price Increase: After September 15, 2020
- Complete the Race: Run between October 24 - October 31
Why you should run this: Halloween races are fun, even if you have to run them on your own. Dress up and earn a cool glow-in-the-dark medal along with a long-sleeve tech shirt.
7 East Suburban Trailblazers' Halloween Hotfoot 5K
- Cost: $25 plus $2.50 SignUp Fee plus $5 Shipping (local pickup available in Export, PA)
- Charity: East Suburban Citizen Advocacy
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
- Registration Price Increase: September 30, 2020
- Complete the Race: Run between October 17, 2020 and October 31, 2020
Why you should run this: This is another budget virtual race for October. The charity race was forced to go virtual due to the pandemic. Support a good cause and earn some holiday-themed swag for your run.
8 Fun and Furry Virtual 5K
- Cost: $35 plus $3 SignUp Fee | Shipping Included
- Charity: Senior Houndsabound (SHA) and Suncoast Basset Rescue (SBR)
- Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
- Registration Ends: December 31, 2020
- Complete the Race: Run by December 31, 2020
Why you should run this: You have a soft spot for animal charities and want to support Basset Hound Rescue during this tough year where charities of all kinds are suffering.
9 Run to the Future
- Cost: $35 + $3 SignUp Fee + $6.95 Shipping
- Charity: Feeding America
- Swag: T-Shirt or Tank; Medal; Race Bib
- Registration Ends: October 31, 2020
- Complete the Race: no deadline
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).
10 I Run Solo: A 2020 Story
- Cost: $35 + $3 SignUp Fee + $6.95 Shipping
- Charity: Feeding America
- Swag: T-Shirt or Tank; Medal; Race Bib
- Registration Ends: October 31, 2020
- Complete the Race: no deadline
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).
