The 2020 racing calendar is over

At least that’s what it may feel like to some

Races are being rearranged, some cancelled, each week is full of news of more changes. For those training, competing, investing their time in them, this can be a huge drop in motivation, a sense of loss, a purpose now gone.

But, all is not lost

Yes, you heard me correctly

Besides the ever growing trend of people running marathons in their gardens and scaling the height of Everest on stair cases, the world of virtual running has come alive.

2019 was the real start of global racing on Zwift, with a UK domestic series and greater smart trainers coming on board at an ever increasing rate, with marked upwards trend in the technology associated with it. Zwift then introduced running and now, with lockdowns across more than 25% of the world, we are seeing virtual race series appear.

Hot off the heels of the Quarantine Backyard Ultra, won by Mike Wardian, series of races are launching from domestic Race Directors to global race circuits.

Below is a handful of such events you can get involved in. This is not the definite list, but those I have been keeping an eye on over the last week.

#IRUNATHOME

April 18th sees the IRunAtHome run, organised by Ian Corless, inspired by #YoCorroEnCasa, the brain child of Kilian Jornet, Pau Capell, Tofo Castanyer and Albert Jorquera, to inspire the Spanish community to exercise together as one, given the strict lockdown measures currently in place. Over 7,400 people took part, raising a staggering €82,940 in the process.

This Saturday, regardless of your ability, you are encouraged to sign up and take part in the social movement. There’s just one major rule, you must run either in your home, garden or on a treadmill. Yes, we are fortunate to be able to run outside in the UK currently (fingers crossed it remains that way), however, for this you must run at home. Strava doesn’t lie…..

The race starts at 0900 and finishes before 2100, so plenty of opportunity to rack some miles or laps in, with potentially the best stocked aid station you will ever find.

There are prizes to be one, donations to be made and the running community to collectively join together to aid the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal.

For all information and to register CLICK HERE

Skyrunner® Virtual Series

With many races cancelled, the Skyrunning World Series hosted their inaugural race this weekend just gone. Originally it was to be a showcase, only for elite athletes, but with the amount of enquiries received, they opened it up to all.

The virtual series consists of the following races

• 19.04 – Mt Awa Skyrace
• 09.05 – Transvulcania
• 17.05 – Skyrace des Matheysins
• 06.06 – Hochkönig Skyrace
• 20.06 – Livigno SkyMarathon
• 27.06 – The Minotaur Skyrace

To qualify (after registering) you need to complete a 45 minute run or other sporting activity on that day. It can be inside or outside. Races start at 0930 CET. You’ll up against the elites of the world, so get limber and prepare to take to the sky.

For all the details CLICK HERE

 

Maverick Adidas Terrex Virtual Run 

The South West based Maverick Race team have been working on a series of their own to offer people the ability to race through to June along side those they normally world, all be it virtually.

All you have to do is run either; 5km, 10km or 15km, upload your time and activity tracker ‘proof’ and you will be automatically put on to our leaderboard.

Spot prizes will be awarded, so in times like these where being outdoors and active is beneficial for both your physical and mental health, it’s not just those who are the ‘fastest’ that get rewarded.

For full details and to register CLICK HERE

Aravaipa Running

The team from America have two virtual races on offer, STRONG and LIMITLESS.

STRONG kicks off this Friday 17th April, with options from 5km to 100 miles. Want to run 100 miles, you can run 10 miles a day for 10 days in a row, the only thing to remember is just like an ultra, the clock doesn’t stop till you cross the finish line. In this case, hitting your distance goal.

For the full details and entry to STRONG – CLICK HERE

LIMITLESS, there’s a clue in the name. Kicking off on May 25th, is a week of vertical gain. How far do you climb, you decided, it’s not about miles travelled but how thin the air is. With Level 1 being 1250ft and Level 7 58,058ft (double the height of Mount Everest) stair cases and small hills are going to take a beating in your pursuit to climb to the top of the world.

For the full details and entry to LIMITLESS – CLICK HERE

 

Good old Zwift and Strava

Whether you want to race your mate, running club or strangers, you can do so via either app.

Strava (for the UK and areas not on full lockdown) create a group, get people to sign and up race a given distance on the day.

Zwift – whether on foot or bike, they have all manner of racing options available, plus, if you just want to run with your usual running partner, you can do this remotely, via the Zwift Companion App.

 

Ultimately there are lots of options out there, some free, some donations, some race sign ups. Most importantly, let’s keep ourselves, our loved ones and those around us moving. It’s a tough time and our physical and in some ways more importantly, mental health need to be strong, so we can look after ourselves for when we return to some form of normality.

 

Stay safe, play by your governments COVID-19 laws, happy running & I’ll see you online.

James