Two years ago this November I tried something new at the time, a "virtual" run. I paid my money and got my bib and shirt in the mail like any other race, and then submitted my time afterwards. There were no medals for that first one, but I still thought it was pretty cool thing to do.
Now these runs are all over the place. There is a popular group on Facebook devoted just to listing the events, and people posting pictures of their finishes. But like anything, there are plus and minuses.
The biggest plus of virtual races for me is that travel expenses can be absolutely zero if you wish (of course, you can race them anywhere you'd like.) I have an elderly car that needs to be babied a bit. So it's great just to run right out the back door and get down to business. When you're in your home area, you know right where the bubblers are (drinking fountains, for those not from Wisconsin) and where potential rest/food stops are located. Also, I know I'll always come in first in my location, and that I don't have to worry about being last and having volunteers wait for me in a half-marathon.
I also like that I can do races for different causes and events that may not be available locally. Many of them are for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, and I just did one in honor of my mother who is a two-year lymphoma survivor. I did one for an animal sanctuary in Illinois, and another to send disadvantaged youth to an aquarium, causes that I believe in. I am renowned for my love of Canada, and doing one race in Canada is at the top of my bucket list, but there are not too many Canada Day races in Wisconsin, lol. But I was able to do a virtual 10K for the maple leaf, and it's one of my favorite medals.
Speaking of medals, last but not least of the advantages of virtual racing is the bling. Some are extremely creative, like the Virtual Bacon Challenge medal, where you have to eat 3 pieces of bacon during the run. It features two pigs framed by bacon, with green stained-glass in the middle, adorable!
Another exceptional one was for that lymphoma run, called Christmas in July. It has a patriotic Christmas tree with an eagle instead of a star on top, and instead of visions of sugar plums, the children have visions of a cure dancing through their heads. I prefer these creative ones, as opposed to many that are related to Disney, Harry Potter, etc. I am currently working on earning my medals for the World of Hope series (which I didn't realize had Disney ties.) All the medals feature kids from all over the world, just my kind of thing.
To me, the biggest negative of virtual races is that it feels a little like cheating. Medals are something special, and having so many available for a price and the asking de-values them in my mind a little. I know someone that waited 11 years to get one (I lucked out and got one at my third race!) Many races let you split up mileage. I personally don't believe in that: the half-marathon is 13.1 miles done all at once. Lots of people can do it a mile or two at a time, not everyone can do it in one shot: that's why it's a challenge. However, I understand some people have health issues, and that for them, that is a big accomplishment. So I can't judge. But I prefer the races that hold you accountable, and at least make you submit a time, so it's not just a medal factory. I don't even look at the medal until I've earned it. Then of course, there's the competition and excitement of an actual starting line, but virtual runs can be relaxing.
Another con is that many don't offer shirts, though my favorite virtual series www.fortheloveofthekids.com does. After awhile though you just get too dang many shirts in the closet. In my climate, it's the long-sleeve Dri-Fit shirts you tend to hoard, as you can layer several of those for winter runs. But I'm pretty well stocked up now on those also. With the plain cotton shirts you get at most races, I tend to just wear a few select favorites, either because I had fond memories of the race, it fits just right, or it's a different color than most. So I can deal with the lack of shirts.
I think these races are a great idea for people that might be a little fearful to go to an actual race, or that would like to get their kids involved. I would highly recommend trying at least one for a cause you believe in to all my runner friends.
