How marathon and road race organizers are going virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic
Virtual runs have become the new norm for runners across the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With mass gatherings prohibited, a number of race organizers have implemented virtual runs for participants to complete the necessary mileage while adhering to the proper guidelines such as social distancing.
“A virtual run can be done anywhere, anytime. Inside or outside,” said Lazaro Alvarez, race director of the Irving Marathon in Texas that has gone virtual.
“By having the virtual option, it allows those people to still have something to look forward to and train.”
Runners can spend months preparing for a race, which makes a virtual run an attractive option rather than simply canceling the event entirely. If participants complete the virtual run, race organizers are sending medals and finisher T-shirts their way.
Most races allow participants an extended window in which to complete the race virtually as it doesn’t have to be completed on the exact race date.
It’s not the same as actually competing in a race, of course, but it’s a way to keep the spirit of the races alive. In Kansas City, for instance, the Trolley Run has been a staple for more than three decades and is going virtual with the actual race canceled in late April.
“The Trolley Run is such a unique event,” said Kristy Ladd Culp, special events manager for the Trolley Run. “It’s an iconic race. We knew we still wanted to create a sense of community.”
