The pandemic has stopped us gathering for some of the biggest runs that are stacked in our calendar, but virtual runs have been popping up across the globe that still allow runners to chase that end goal, and get some bonus treats along the way! Check out these few virtual runs that take you beyond your usual running routine.
1. Standard Charted Singapore Marathon Virtual Club
The Standard Charted Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is slated to be held between 3-5 December 2021 if the pandemic is stable. So in order to train for something like that, SCSM has created a SCSM Virtual Club for runners to train towards that 42km and enjoy the process at the same time.
The virtual club allows you to mix up your usual running routine by competing in weekly virtual challenges and races. Runners can also earn points by doing what they love best – Running! These points will be able to earn them unique SCSM rewards and swag, such as medals and merchandise. You would definitely want to be decked in merchandise for that photo finish at the actual SCSM right? XD
All you got to do is create a profile with the Virtual Club online, and sync your usual running apps with your profile, and you’re all set to earn points and conquer your training to get that 42.195km!
Sign up for the Standard Charted Singapore Marathon Virtual Club here.
2. The Conqueror Virtual Challenges
The best part about virtual runs is that they can be completed by anyone anywhere, and at your own pace! So The Conqueror Virtual Challenges is just that. It is a platform for runners to join their various challenges that have been modelled to simulate the same distance you would run at these iconic locations.
Some of their virtual runs are modelled after iconic landmarks such as the Mount Fuji trail, Athens trail, and even the Giza Pyramids trail! These trails and challenges are not for the faint hearted though, as the cumulative distance to cover the trail ranges from 33km to 4,000km! But there is also a Conquer 2021 challenge where you can set your own distance, so it’s completely up to your comfort level.
Runners who join the challenges will have access to their Conqueror App, where runner will be able to track their progress on a virtual map modelled after the trail they chose and get to visit these landmarks virtually. Along the way, they will also unlock virtual postcards which they can keep for memories! Not only that, but the platform has also dedicated to plant trees for every 20% of the challenge that each runner completes. That’s 5 trees per runner. Imagine how many trees can be planted as a running community.
And the medals are so prettyyy XD. The Medal gets mailed to you once you have completed the challenge so start now to collect them all!
You can find out more information from their website here.
3. Just Move Asia
Maybe you would like to run virtual runs that are Singapore specific? Just Move Asia is a platform that has a series of running challenges that centre around iconic running routes in Singapore. Runners can pick from 13 iconic running routes in Singapore, from reservoirs to our Singapore River, to the Southern Ridges, and even iconic landmarks like Fort Canning and Marina Bay.
The challenge is only completed when the runner travels to these specific locations and use GPS-enabled running apps to sync and track their runs. The best part is that you can do it at your own pace. You can walk, jog or sprint, as long as you complete the 2.5km minimum distance at that specific location. So you can take a stroll along your favourite route and earn a medal for doing it! XD
Runners who finish the challenge they selected will be entitled to a medal and e-certificate as well. Each of the 13 medals for each location are specifically designed to showcase the landmark of that location, so you will also be taking a piece of history home with you! And they are very chio!
You can find out more information and sign up for the various challenges from their website here!
4. 42Race Singapore
If iconic landmarks and locations are not your thing, what about themed runs and cute medals? 42Race hosts various themed virtual runs that include uniquely designed themed medals. Some of their runs include a Gudetama Run 2021, their Horoscope Challenge 2021 and the Mecha Virtual Run 2021. Some of their runs, like the Horoscope Challenge 2021, is a monthly challenge where each month’s medal is designed after a different horoscope, so you can join all 12 runs to collect the full calendar!
What’s even better, each run has their own unique entitlements depending on the themed run. So on top of the themed medal, you might even be receiving themed bags, towels and t-shirts!
Runners only have to use any one of the approved running apps by 42Race during their runs and upload their runs onto your profile in their website.
You can visit their website here for more information on the upcoming themed virtual runs!
With the myriad of virtual runs out there for everyone to join, its time to get your running shoes on and explore beyond your usual running route!
