Virtual races send medals everywhere.

Charity races across the country have been shut down by the pandemic. Apparently, getting a lot of strangers together, all breathing heavy around each other isn't a great idea. Unfortunately, those races may be the biggest fundraiser of the year for some non-profits.

The clever solution race organizers have come up with is a virtual run or challenge. You can still get the bib, finisher medal, race goodies and t-shirt, but YOU get to decide when and where it's all going to happen. Here's how it works.

Once you sign up for a virtual run, you'll be given a range of dates to complete it in. You're usually expected to do a 5K or 10K all at once, but longer races like 50 or 100 milers often give you several days to complete them.

Challenges typically require one of two things. You either do something for a set amount of time a day, like pledge to workout 30 minutes a day. Or you commit to a set amount of distance over the course of the challenge. That might mean running a total of 50 or even 100 miles over a few weeks.

Here are 8 reasons you should do a virtual run.

1. You get to decide WHEN you're going to participate. No more getting out of bed at 6:00 am if you don't want to. If it's raining, run tomorrow. If it's too hot, get out earlier or start in the evening. If you work on the weekend, run during the week. The timing is all up to you.

2. You get to choose the course. If you don't like hills, pick a route that doesn't have many. If you don't like running outside, some companies allow you to submit your results from a treadmill. You're in control of WHERE everything happens.

3. You can sign up for any race, ANYWHERE in the world. There isn't a lot of traveling happening right now, even for people who can afford it. But virtual races happen wherever you are, so you're not limited to just what's in your town. You can compete in the Key West Heroes and Villains run or the Key Lime Aid Challenge, even if you never leave Iowa.

4. You don't have to deal with any of the typical racing event issues. No searching for a parking space. No waiting in line to pick up your packets. You don't have to deal with the crowds or stand around until the event starts. Best of all, no porta-potties.

5. Some virtual races allow you to run them multiple times and submit your best results. If you tried some new gear and it didn't work out, do it again. If your pre-race food didn't agree with you, do it again. If you time just wasn't that great, you can do it again.

6. You can compete judgment-free. Most races end after a set time, and anyone who hasn't finished yet is simply left out. The typical virtual race has no such limitation. It doesn't matter how long you take, everyone is worthy of having their time included in the results.

7. You can collect some really cool finisher medals. There are limited edition designs, custom pieces by famous artists or medals that go together as part of a series. For races taking place all over the country, visit www.RunSignup.com.

8. You get community motivation, race swag and feeling of achievement, all while helping out a charity. Especially during times of crisis like these, your donations go a long way toward helping others.

As part of the Key West Community-Wins campaign, four local charities will be splitting all the proceeds from the Key Lime Aid Virtual Challenge starting August of 2020.

Sign up, get motivated, get fun stuff and help others. Everyone wins!

Call for a FREE Consultation (305) 296-3434
CAUTION: Check with your doctor before
beginning any diet or exercise program.

8/7/2020
Updated 6/1/2023