by Eliza Sterling

The landscape of competition is changing. Amid the countless contests that have been put on hold, digital events have stepped up to keep the spiritedly competitive among us fit and focused. These virtual practices aren’t just a backup while we wait for regular races to come back – they have the potential to sustain and stimulate us.

Earlier, virtual events used to be somewhat overshadowed by in-person gatherings. While some were aware of their existence, many didn’t hold them in the same regard as traditional contests. However, with an increasing number of events being cancelled due to the pandemic, virtual races have quickly become the quintessential experience for every competitor. Involving a specified distance to cover at one’s convenience, these events utilize GPS data to compute results. Unsurprisingly, fitness enthusiasts are enthusiastic about them.

Some, like Helena – a dedicated club runner and recent convert to virtual events – have found great motivation from them. She says, “Virtual relays and parkruns have been a great way to gauge my progress post pregnancy.” Richard, a respected running coach, too talks about how these digital competitions have connected him with nine other runners who wouldn’t have otherwise met, in a memorial mile run for a beloved friend.

The Generation of Virtual Participants

Sign-up data indicates a rising inclination towards virtual running and cycling. Fitness tracking platform Strava, for example, noted its highest ever number of participants for its monthly 5K Challenge last May, with over a million people getting involved. “These events have always been popular but they’re more popular now, given what’s happening in the world,” says Strava’s Klima. “But it’s not only about fulfilling competitive needs, it’s also a way to assist critical causes.”

Indeed, these challenges have helped raise substantial amounts for charity, like the NHS Active Challenge that raised an astounding £440,000 for healthcare workers. Even though these virtual events are held locally, they offer a chance to compete globally and enjoy races from all around the world.

The Evolution of Virtual Races

With increasing interest in virtual races, there is also a growing requirement for rules and guidelines. The competition results usually depend on the total time spent running or cycling, including any breaks. “We have community standards that everyone’s expected to follow, in the spirit of fairness,” explains Klima. It’s also recommended to check individual race rules to avoid disqualifications based on routes or elevation drops. “One of the big debates is what type of activity gets accepted,” adds Klima. “Always check the virtual race rules before taking part.”

A Future with Virtual Races

With gradual relaxation of lockdown rules, one may wonder about the place of virtual races in the post-pandemic schedule – and there is one. According to Klima, “Virtual and physical races can complement each other. A virtual race can be used to train for a physical event.” Indeed, the motivation that comes from setting a target, such as a 10K run, remains unaltered, irrespective of whether the race is virtual or physical. The digital community provides ample support and encouragement throughout.

While some may initially dismiss virtual races as a transient by-product of the lockdown, the trend in data tells a different tale. With increasing yearly interest, virtual races are established to participate in the marathon of life for the long haul.

virtual races, fitness motivation, digital events, Strava, virtual competition, pandemic, training, digital community, running, cycling, virtual training apps, GPS data, coronavirus