If you’re not aware virtual races have been a thing for a while but didn’t quite take off into high gear until COVID hit earlier this year and most of the in person races got cancelled. Virtual ultras seem to be an entirely new beast in 2020. They have been a way for runners who haven’t run an ultra before to give it a try on their own terms. They’ve also been a way for race directors to still have some income when they’ve been forced to cancel their races.
What’s a virtual race anyways? It’s like a regular race – you sign up, train for it, get race swag, run the distance, except you don’t do it on an actual course with other racers. You choose the location, race day, and start time. The term “racing yourself” really takes on a whole new meaning with virtual races. As runners, either you love them or you just don’t see the point. And if you did love them the beginning of 2020, you may not have the same feelings for them now that 2020 is coming to a close.
While they may not ignite the same feelings of excitement as an in-person race does, they do have a way of accommodating an ultrarunner’s need for accomplishment and completing an ultra. Despite the fact that they are in most ways like any other long run, there are some be benefits to them.
5 Reasons to do a Virtual Ultra
1. Some proceeds from your registration fee may be going to a charitable organization. Some runners are even using virtual races as a chance to race money for their favorite charity while accomplishing something they love.
2. You’re helping race directors keep afloat so that your favorite races can still be there when COVID rules are no longer in place.
3. You get to choose the course. Have you ever run your favorite trail and thought how amazing it would be to have a race out there? Well, here’s your opportunity! You can choose your location, elevation, terrain…. you choose the challenge.
4. You get to choose the date and time. This can take some of the stress out of race day. Say you wake up on race day and it’s pouring cats and dogs. You have to option to push your race until the next day or even wait a couple of hours. You’re not forced to start at a specific time.
5. You choose your aid stations and route. Whether you’re planning an out and back on your favorite trail with crew support and planned meeting locations. Or even a looped course in your neighborhood and use your garage as your aid station. It all counts! You get to choose what you feel comfortable with while still being able to finish an ultra.
How many times do you get to run a race on your terms? 2020 has seen an increase in ultrarunners. They’re learning with virtual races that they are able to accomplish these distances and see what they’re really capable of!
