Virtual Runs are the new trend in the running scene
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Why not try a Virtual Run nowadays more and more runners think. After all, in a virtual run you don't have to miss anything that you appreciate in classic running events: bib numbers, result lists, certificates, medals and social interaction. Except that it works a little differently virtual.
The next dates
- May 08.-09. 2021 (90-Minutes-Challenge May)
- June 21.-27. 2021 (Runningdays Summer)
- August 07.-08. 2021 (90-Minutes-Challenge August)
- September 20.-26. 2021 (Runningdays Autumn)
- November 06.-07. 2021 (90-Minutes-Challenge November)
- December 20.-26. 2021 (Runningdays Winter)
- February 05.-06. 2022 (90-Minutes-Challenge February)
- 21. until March 27, 2022 (Runningdays Spring)
What is a virtual run?
A virtual run is a running event that is not tied to a location and usually has a large time window. These races allow a high degree of flexibility. You can take part wherever you are, at home or from the home office, directly from the company (see also virtual company runs) and even on vacation. It is about running a certain running distance, determining its running time and uploading the result. As a reward, you get listed in the results, a certificate and, if you wish, a finisher medal. Virtual runs are the new trend in the running scene.
What are the distances in virtual runs?
The Runningdays have seven distances for runners and walkers: 1,000 meters (running only), 5,000 meters, 10 kilometers, 15 kilometers (walking only), half marathon, 30 kilometers and marathon. So there is at least one favorite distance for every virtual runner. This, in combination with the many event-dates available, offers many possibilities. For example, to improve over time over your favorite distance or to try a new distance, from short, the 5,000 meters to the supreme discipline, the marathon (42.195 kilometers). The 1,000 meters are a special case. Ambitious runners use this primarily as a performance diagnosis – the LC1000 – to determine the basic speed and to have their competition potential extrapolated over other distances using the potential analysis. As part of the Runningdays, many runners find it easier to push their limits over 1,000 meters.
How does the timing work?
The time measurement for virtual runs is in a further development. Nowadays, the results for a virtual run are measured by the participants themselves. You can use a sports watch or a free running app - the Strava app or Polar Beat app, for example, and measure your time while running. You then enter your time manually in the results list and upload a photo as proof of your performance. This can be a photo of the sports watch or a screenshot of the running app.
In the future there will also be running apps that list the dates of the Runningdays, with which you can then start the recording and the result will be automatically uploaded to the result lists after the work has been performed.
What exactly are the 90-Minutes-Challenges?
While the Runningdays are about running a certain distance, and running it as quickly as possible, the approach of the 90-Minutes-Challenges is different. The aim here is to cover as much distance as possible in exactly 90 minutes. A virtual run with a very special, real and unusual challenge.
Do I have to wear a bib number for a virtual race?
You don't have to wear the bib number, which you can print out yourself at the Runningdays, during your races. Because actually bib numbers are primarily intended to be able to log the finish lines in large races and to be able to clearly assign the results to an athlete. In road races, the bib numbers are also used to assign photos, so that after a run you can assign the photos taken by professional photographers. This is of course not necessary for a virtual run as a solo run. But wearing the bib number can create a bit of a race feeling and thus push your own performance. And it will certainly attract a few curious glances. If you find this motivating, you should run with your bib number.
How does the social interaction work?
Laufcampus promotes the community experience through online offers and social media. On the social wall - the Laufcampus pin board - you can use the hashtag #laufcampus with a photo published on Instagram. In the Facebook group “Laufcampus Freunde” you can meet, chat and also share photos and written running experiences. Commenting on and praising the achievements of others is what defines the group of Laufcampus friends. And Laufcampus founder Andreas Butz offers the Runningdays Zoom Talk for half an hour on each day of competition of the Runningdays and 90-Minutes-Challenges in the evening. Here you can also exchange ideas and see other participants live. The good deed that the Runningdays are charity runs connects the participants with one another.
