A guide to upcoming virtual races and challenges
Since it looks like virtual racing could still be our best option for the next few months, here's a list of upcoming events
Throughout the pandemic, virtual races have given runners around the globe many opportunities to test their fitness and fuel their need for competition while in-person events are on hold. While the promise of vaccines gives us hope that we can return to mass participation races soon, many in-person races could end up closing their doors permanently as a result of the pandemic. All races are threatened, and for many of them, virtual races are the only thing keeping them alive as the pandemic stretches into 2021. We’ll update this list regularly, so even if nothing catches your eye right now, check back at a later date for any new additions.
Don’t Fear the Sweeper
When? July 1-31
What? Runners have the chance to race one of Canada’s best ultrarunners, Terri Biloski, in a month-long virtual challenge. Each day you log your kilometres, and if at the end of the day Biloski hasn’t caught you, you live to run another day.
How much? $10, all of which goes to charity.
Solution Project Virtual Race
When? July 17-18
What? A 5-kilometre virtual run in which participants raise funds for the Solution Project, which partner with organizations focusing on Climate Change issues, R&D medical issues, Ocean Clean Up projects, Nature preservation, Gender Equality, Tree reforestation, Cancer research, Child Trafficking, Cultural & Mental Health awareness, Global medical assistance and LGBTQE issues.
How much? $25 dollar donation
The Big Canada Run
When? July 1 2021 to June 30 2022
What? Teams sign up to virtually run across Canada, with three different route options ranging from 8,000Km to 18,000Km.
How much? Registration starts at $60 until prices jump after June 1
Challenge Alberta
When? From May 30 to August 31
What? teams will challenge themselves to run, walk or cycle a total distance of 1,717 kms starting from the southern border of Alberta at Waterton Lakes National Park finishing at the northern border of the Northwest Territories. Along the way participants will learn about Alberta’s vast geographical, cultural, and economic points of interest. Participation is open to campus and community members (ages 18+).
How much? $55 dollars (Use promo code UACC21 to save 15%)
#ChallengeAlberta starts soon! Register today to explore Alberta Virtually while you Run, Cycle or Walk from May 30th, 2021 – August 31st, 2021. Learn more: https://t.co/iem7kDbqzt @ChallengeAlber2 #UAlberta #UAlbertaRec pic.twitter.com/QtUxHjM79j
— UAlberta Recreation (@UAlbertaRec) May 10, 2021
Le Défi STM
When? June 1-30
What? Participants are invited to run or walk the entire length of the Montreal subway system for a total of 66Km.
How much? There is a $30 option or a $50 option
The Sporting Life 10K
When? May 9-30
What? Run your own 10K race, or participate in the Virtual Challenge by running or walking 10K ten times between May 9 and May 30.
How Much? $60 + HST
The Arc’Teryx Warm-up Challenge
When? May 3-9
What? Participants are invited to complete one of the Strava Walk, Run or Hike Routes, available on the app and created by local Arc’teryx Ambassadors. Participants who complete a route will receive a gift bag, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at participating Arc’teryx stores.
How much? Free
The Arc’Teryx Global Outer Peace Challenge
When? May 17-June 6
What? Participants are invited to spend 20 minutes a day doing any outdoor activity, 4 times a week over 3 weeks. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a promotion code to be used online or in-store at participating Arc’Teryx locations.
How much? Free
The Woof Walk Challenge
When? Now until December 31, 2021
What? A challenge you can do with your pup! You choose your distance goal, and try to complete it by the end of the year. There are options for dog-owners and those without a canine family member, and funds raised will go to two important charities: Save Our Scruff and Second Harvest Food Rescue.
How much? $55 until August 31
The Million Reasons Run
When? May 1-31 2021
What? You choose your running and fundraising goals and run wherever, however you like. Funds raised will go to life-saving research happening at the 13 children’s hospitals across Canada.
How much? This event it completely free!
Run Guides Tokyo – Osaka Challenge Virtual Team Challenge
When? Start anytime after March 13, there is no cutoff
What? Teams of four attempt to virtually run from Tokyo to Osaka, Japan (672 km)
How much? $60 USD per team
Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause
When? February 27 to March 29
What? Participants aim to collectively run 3,000K
How much? More info to come (registration opens January 12)
"If virtual has been the keyword to describe 2020, hybrid will be the word that best characterizes 2021." –@alnbrookes
You can read more from Alan about what to realistically expect out of the 2021 race season, as well as a wrap up of 2020, here – https://t.co/tfUWwZN8kk pic.twitter.com/VORXUWeQss
— CanadaRunningSeries (@RunCRS) December 15, 2020
Virtual Chilly Half Marathon
When? Until March 30
What? Frosty 5K, Frigid 10K and Chill Half Marathon. (Each distance will have a walking category.)
How much? $65 (5K and 10K) and $90 (half-marathon)
2021 B.A.A. 5K
When? April 16 to 18
What? The 5K run that traditionally kicks off the Boston Marathon weekend will be held virtually for the second year in a row.
How much? $45 to $65 USD, depending on the package the participant chooses.
The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee
When? May 1 to August 31
What? Virtually run 1,000 kilometres “across” Tennessee
How much? US$60
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
When? May 1 to May 31
What? 2K, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, 50K and more
Along with all your favourite distances, this year’s offerings include the Ottawa Ultra 50K, an Ottawa 2K family pack for 4, and a special TEAM edition of the Bytown Challenge in support of The Ottawa Hospital!
How much? Price varies depending on race selection
The Survivorfest 24 Hour Race
When? June 12 to 13
What? Participants run for either sic, 12, or 24 hours around a 400 metre track. The race is being offered both in-person and virtually.
MTU Showdown
When? Until June 30
What? Run 1,600 MTUs (to learn more about MTUs, click here)
How much? Free
The 2021 RunNB Challenge
When? Until December 31, 2021
What? Run, walk or snowshoe 1,200K (or 2,400K) to virtually circumnavigate New Brunswick
How much? $50
Under Armour Spring Run-Off
When? April 1 to 30
What? Kids’ race, 5K and 8K
How much? More details to come
Banque Scotia 21K de Montreal
When? April 23 to June 14
What? Kids’ race, 5K, 10K and half-marathon
How much? More details to come
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon
When? June 2 to July 5
What? Kids’ race, 5K, 10K and half-marathon
How much? More details to come
The 416 Challenge
When? Until July 31
What? Run 416K by the end of July 2021
How much? $40 (student deal), $90 (regular fee)
Give back while you run!
Take on the 416 Run Challenge (#TW416RC), complete 416 kms by July 31, 2021, & opt to give back to three local charities: the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, @SecondHarvestCA & @SisteringTO. #Toronto
Register today: https://t.co/3SIXtPVW4X pic.twitter.com/MHL48XoPGZ
— Toronto Women's Runs (@TOWomensRuns) October 26, 2020
Vancouver Sun Run
When? April 18 to 30
What? 2.5K, 10K, team run
How much?$25 to $45
Around the Bay
When? March 25 to April 25
What? 5K, 10K, 15K, 30K, two- and three-person relays
How much? More info to come
Around the Bay prepares for virtual race in 2021 https://t.co/y0Z2yT6GAF
— Bay Race 30k (@bayracerun) December 11, 2020
