I know that some fall marathons are still up in the air (but I’m not optimistic about them coming off considering Berlin and Boston). And with NYC getting cancelled this morning, I wonder what that means for my summer running – I mean, why subject myself to the awful humidity for 20 miles if I don’t have to?
The thing that’s been bothering me though is the rise of the “virtual” race. I’m unsure why these things are happening.
The Virtual Race Process
Let’s set the stage (from my perspective, and that being said, I would love for you to change my mind):
- I sign up for a virtual race online and pay the registration fee.
- I train for whatever distance said race is scheduled for (10K., 13.1. 26.2, etc.).
- During the prescribed time frame, I run said distance (probably the same course on which I trained) rather than say the iconic stages of the Boston , NYC or Berlin marathons.
- I post a link from Strava or MapMyRun or whatever online site the race deems official – this step in order to “prove” I ran the distance.
- The organization then sends me a medal, a shirt and whatever swag I would have gotten at the expo.
So, here’s my question:
Why the Virtual Race Misses the Mark
Why would you do this? Why would you pay to run on a course that you always run, without crowds, without official fluid stations, without the camaraderie of getting to the race early in the morning, standing around the corral waiting with butterflies in your stomach for the gun, waiting on forever lines for disgusting porta-potties, crossing the finish line and get a medal put around your neck by a volunteer?
To me, the virtual race removes all the fun things about doing a large or small scale race. That is, going through an experience with a group of people. Hearing that person cheer for you as you’re struggling up the last (or first) hill; chatting with the person you’ve been tailing for most of the race, thanking the volunteers and race organizers and high-fiving the crowds.
I’m okay with taking 2020 off from racing for the good of the general public and while I do need to help find motivation to run, I think digging deep inside myself to find that will only make me a stronger running.
Oh, and I’ll have more time to ride my bike this summer. And maybe spend some shekels on a new one (don’t tell my wife I said that).
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My Current Running Gear
- Fenix 6X Pro Solar
- AfterShokz Aeropex
- Daily Run: ASICS Gel Nimbus 22
- Long Run: Brooks Ghost 12
- Speedwork: ASICS Novablast
- Follow me on Strava
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Eric, to me, the “virtual race” is the dumbest thing since the Pet Rock. — from a 15-Plus NYC Marathon runner in California.
I only see the benefit of a virtual race if it guarantees entry into another race that is difficult to register for.
I only see the benefit of a virtual race if it guarantees entry into another race that is difficult to register for.
Agree with everything you said. That being said, I noticed you already gave up on running well before the marathon cancellation was actually announced 😉
Ouch. Calling me out behind an anonymous comment? 😜
I don’t like the idea of buying a medal, whcih many of these are. That said, I’ve done a few fun virtuals – friend’s favorite local races made up two, and one for a company I love. They were all cheap/donation, so they didn’t feel as squicky. Wouldn’t do a virtual half or more — unless it was one I signed up for and that’s what they converted it to