Why you should do a virtual race this spring with Run Ottawa
The 2021 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend has gone virtual. Here are five reasons why you should sign up
COVID-19 has impacted the running world in a significant way, and no one in our community has felt this more than race directors. Since in-person events have been impossible to host, race organization committees were forced to adapt in a way they never have before, and this has led to the emergence of virtual races across the country. These events still offer swag bags, race shirts and finisher’s medals, and the only thing missing is the event itself. The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, which has been a highlight on the Canadian race calendar for nearly 50 years, is among the events that have gone virtual for 2021, and if you’re considering signing up for a virtual race this spring, it should be at the top of your list. Not convinced? Here are several good reasons why you should consider registering.
RELATED: A guide to upcoming virtual races and challenges
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIyiBbJlqIc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Motivation. Let’s face it – forcing yourself to complete a hard interval session or a long run without a goal race to look forward to is tough. Signing up for a virtual race can give you a goal to help you stay on track with your training, and all participants in the virtual Ottawa Race Weekend will receive a free training plan, and 15 per cent off all Run Ottawa gear.
Support an important Canadian event. This has been a tough year for race organizations. The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend has been around since 1975, making this year the 47th anniversary. If you want to see the event make it to its 50th birthday (and have the opportunity to run it in person again), the best way you can ensure this happens is by participating in the virtual run this year.
Support a good cause. Last year, participants in the virtual Ottawa Race Weekend raised more than $400,000 for local charities. This year, all runners have the opportunity to participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to raise funds for the charity of their choice. The best part? 100 per cent of your fundraising dollars go directly to the charity, and anyone who raises over $500 for their charity will receive a guaranteed free entry into next year’s in-person event.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMkOevTgCjf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Engage with the running community. Participants in the virtual Ottawa Race Weekend are invited to join the event’s Facebook groups, where they can connect with other runners and share their stories of triumph and heartbreak around their training and fundraising.
Challenge yourself. The virtual format gives race directors an opportunity to offer a greater variety of racing options to runners, and the Ottawa Race Weekend has taken this to a whole other level. This year, in addition to the usual 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon, participants can choose to sign up for the 50K Ultra option, or the Lumberjack+, which involves running the 50K, 10K, 5K and 2K during the month of May.
Registration for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is open now, and participants will have between May 1 and May 31 to complete their virtual run. To sign up for the event, click here.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
