5 races to run once the pandemic is over

It has been about a year since the pandemic hit, meaning that, for most runners, at least 12 months have passed since their last in-person race. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but there’s still no telling how much longer we’ll have to wait to reach that light. One thing we can be sure of, though, is the fact that runners everywhere will be in a frenzy when they can finally sign up for in-person races once again. To help you plan, here are five races every runner should enter once the pandemic is over.

A note before we start this list: you’ll notice we didn’t name specific races, but instead focused on general formats and types of runs. It’s going to be exciting to race anywhere, and while many of us cannot wait to hop on a plane and travel once again, really consider entering Canadian events when the world opens up again.

There will always be international races out there, but by the end of the pandemic, events across Canada will need your support more than ever before. Race local and help those Canadian runs, races and series get back to business. Besides, you’ll need to run a few tune-up races before hitting up the international running scene, so take your time and support the race organizations at home.

RELATED: 6 ways to stay motivated when you can’t race in person

Mass participation races

Remember when we could run with other people? And not just with a few running buddies, but with thousands of other people? That was so great. You could give high fives to strangers and run in the middle of a pack without any worries. After the race you were able to hug other runners you’d only known for the previous 5K and it was no big deal. No matter the distance of race, get ready to celebrate the end of the pandemic (whenever that may be) by hitting up a mass participation race.

Last runner standing ultras

Many runners were introduced to last runner standing races because of the pandemic. First, there was the Quarantine Backyard Ultra, and many more virtual last runner standing events followed. Maybe you raced a virtual backyard ultra or maybe you just watched one — either way, you should definitely try one in person. The level of support from other runners is remarkable in the virtual races, so doing one in person would be even more fun.

RELATED: Aravaipa’s last runner standing race lasts 37 hours, 148 miles

Trail races

If you’ve never run a trail race before, you should add one to your bucket list right now. Trail races are extremely tough, they’re fun and they feature a tight-knit community of runners. After one race, you’ll find a whole new appreciation for the sport, and you might even get hooked on off-road running.

Track races

Remember the days when we could run track? You’d bump elbows with your competitors and feel their sweaty arms slip off yours. That was and still is gross, but it also represents freedom. Track events aren’t just for high school runners or elite athletes, so do yourself a favour and chase that freedom again by entering a meet when the world gets back to normal.

Any kind of relay

This kind of goes along with the freedom of bumping elbows, but how great was it when we could touch objects that other people had touched without sanitizing them or our hands first? If you enter a track relay, you can experience that once more when you grab the baton from your teammate. If you decide to do a longer relay, you won’t have a baton, but you can high five to signal the start of the next leg of the race. Wow, think about how great that would be.

RELATED: Monarch Ultra to return in 2021 with 1,800K route through Ontario