by Eliza Sterling

Uncertain times have disrupted scheduled on-ground marathons, coaxing enthusiastic runners to embrace a new trend in the digital world: Virtual Marathons. The global health crisis has in fact seen more people slipping on their running shoes and venturing out to pound the pavement in the name of physical and mental wellness. As mega running events continue to be postponed, virtual races emerge as the go-to alternative for the foreseeable future.

Answering the run community’s call, the Virtual Marathon Masters series has been established to stage world-grade virtual races with a twist. No longer is it about merely completing a distance and getting a medal. Now, every runner stands a chance to pit against extraordinary runners globally, even vying for world records, either solo or with a trusted team. The best part? You are not required to be a seasoned marathoner to take part.

Within the Virtual Marathon Masters framework, your endeavor is to complete the marathon distance in myriad ways, on your own or with others. Every single conclusion of the marathon earns you a recorded timing which subsequently lands on the Virtual Marathon Masters scoreboard.

Run to Collect, Collect to Run

Apart from usual runs, they also offer inventive challenges and a range of medals that, when combined, forges a single magnificent super-medal. Each virtual run represents an iconic city marathon: London, New York, Berlin, Sydney, Athens and for each finished challenge, participants are lavished with a goodie bag and treats courtesy of partner brands such as Kind Snacks, Twinnings, and Love Corn. When you conclude the races, you become eligible for free special edition challenges – Chicago, Paris and Boston waiting to be unlocked.

Running for a Cause

In response to the financial crisis facing countless charities due to the virus outbreak, the Virtual Marathon Masters series incorporated charity work into its core framework. With fundraising being severely affected, charities like Dreams Come True, Roald Dahl’s Children’s Charity, Blesma, SSAFA, and Victim Support have extended their support towards the events.

The new series aims to become a driving force for raising millions for charities—not just during these times, but even once large scale physical events resume. In the event of future emergencies, these virtual marathons also promise a backbone event for non-profit organizations.

For more information on the challenges and how to join, visit the Virtual Marathon Masters website.

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