Virtual Race

[Lazyfrog]

I am planning to do my first half marathon in Sheffield at the end of March but with one thing and another I am not sure the race will go ahead. So I'm thinking about alternatives. 🤔 Anyone has any experience with /tips for a virtual race?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi there!

I don't know if you have seen, but we are running a Spring half marathon group on this forum - latest post here: healthunlocked.com/marathon... you are welcome to join!

We plan to start a list of virtual races, and will be posting about it soon! Look out for posts from linda9389 and me - follow us to get email updates when we post.

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

That's brilliant, thank you! Just what I need! 😊😊😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

I’ve done several virtual races, Lazyfrog. It’s straightforward enough if your race offers one. The Bath Half did last year for those who weren’t comfortable running the real thing, and they’re doing it this year too. I’ve also run a few 10k virtual races. 😀

You use your race number as reference, run your distance whenever stipulated, then submit Strava (or whatever you use) proof. The original entry fee is used to cover admin and postage of your medal/teeshirt.

It might be worth you contacting the organisers of Sheffield to see if they’re intending on offering a virtual option or a deferred place to next year at least. There is also a Great Run Solo series which offers various virtual options.

Have fun, and I hope you find something! 🤞

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Great stuff, I'll check out your suggestions, cheers 😊😊😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I'm literally in the middle of compiling a list of a few virtual HM's for the spring HM group and anyone else interested! Hopefully there will be plenty of options for you if your event does get cancelled. In some ways virtual is easier because you don't have to deal with the logistics of getting somewhere, arriving on time having eaten and toileted to your satisfaction, having the right clothes for hanging around etc. etc.

On the other hand you do have to self motivate without the cheering crowds and atmosphere of running alongside others, not to mention having to plan in your own fuel and water and toilet requirements in the absence of aid stations.

Definitely doable though - with some careful planning, last year I managed a virtual HM, a virtual duathlon and then a virtual marathon, so it's absolutely doable 😊

[00marks Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I'd be interested in hearing about any virtual HMs. If you do a google search there are several web sites that offer virtual events but they do seem rather commercialised and quite expensive.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to 00marks]

There are virtual races from companies that only do virtuals; they usually send a small percentage of the fee to a charity. At the moment there are also virtual options of races that have had to be cancelled or postponed; these often have medals and/or other goodies in return for the fee. Some virtual races will do internatuonal postage. We'll do a post at the end of the week with a few examples. Watch this space!

[misswobble Marathon]

Which Sheff race is it? the last race I did up there was the Ten Ten Ten. Mudfest extraordinaire! Ha ha Younger, dafter folk were mud diving and that was on the best bits. If that one is on again I think I'm in.

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

That sounds fun! I am signing up for the Sheffield Half Marathon, it's on 28th March - it will be my first race ever! If it actually happens... 🤞🤞🤞 I know they do a 10k section as well, in case I can't reach my HM goal distance 😁 Have you ever run that race?

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to Lazyfrog]

The Sheffield HM was my first ever race 4 years ago. I am hoping to it this year as I’ve got deferred place from last year. It isn’t the easiest option for a first race with ‘the hill’ to contend with but it’s a great atmosphere and still one of my favourites. I don’t have a massive amount of confidence it that it will go ahead at the end of March this year though but fingers crossed 🤞

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to Hillrunner2201]

I know, I am dreading the hill race but I will train for it😅 let me know if you're doing it this year as well, virtual or irl 😊 any tips for that specific route? Or just the hill???

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to Lazyfrog]

I’ll be doing irl if it’s on 😀. Any training on hills will help. The hill on the race isn’t actually that steep but it goes on and on! It is worth it for the views at the top though

[misswobble Marathon]

No I haven’t 🙂

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

There's the Cambridge Virtual Half that some of us are doing. There's more about it in a pinned post on Marathon Running and Race Support.

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon]

Thanks, I will have a look 😊