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.
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
The Secret 3K
When? March 3
What? A 3K run or walk wherever you like and whenever on March 3. This is an event tied to a film titled The Secret Marathon, which follows the story of women in Afghanistan who risk their lives to run in a secret race. Click here to learn more.
How much? $15
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
Winter Moves 80-Hour Challenge
When? Until March 20
What? Spend 80 hours getting active outdoors in 90 days
How much? $98 (youth), $125 (adult)
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
The Goggins 4 x 4 x 48 Challenge
When? March 5 to 7
What? Run four miles (6.4K) every four hours for 48 hours
How much? No charge, but participants are encouraged to raise at least $250 for The Maddie Project
