Runner’s World UK – September 2019

E

B TURNER

Virtual location: Bixby Bridge,

Big Sur Marathon, California

Actual location: St Kilda Rd,

Melbourne, Australia

she believes that the accessibility of

virtual running is a huge selling

point. ‘Virtual runners can train and

compete around work, family and

any other commitments they might

have – all while earning quality medals

and achieving their goals,’ says

Wheatcroft. The lack of logistical

barriers with virtual racing certainly

has appeal for time-poor runners.

There’s no travel to/from events, no

need to think about accommodation

or any of the other small stresses

associated with physical races. And

virtual races don’t tend to come with

a nervous wait for a ballot place.

While the races may be virtual, the

rewards are often very real. One big

draw for many virtual runners is the

medals. While conventional racers

might view their finisher’s prize as a

happy memento, virtual runners are

often besotted by bling.

‘The quality of medal is crucial,’

says 36-year-old virtual racer Matt

Alexander. ‘I had run on and off for a

few years, but often went months

without lacing up my trainers. I

needed an incentive, a reason to run,

but wasn’t confident enough to sign

up for a “real” race.’ The medals

available from virtual races – often

bigger and bolder than traditional

race alternatives – gave Alexander

that reason. ‘I’ve only ever used

MedalMad (medalmad.com),’ he says,

‘because the quality and variety of

medals are fantastic. My favourite is

the “Run Forrest Run” medal, for a

10K race. The medal design is a

suitcase like the one Tom Hanks has

in the film, and it opens up.’

That motivational push is precisely

what MedalMad founder Mike Squire

had in mind when he set up the

company with the aim of getting

more people into running; and he’s

happy to admit the medals are an

important factor. ‘I come from a

sports development background, so

I’m interested in making it as easy as

possible for people to get active,’ he

Five memorable

medals up for grabs

on Virtual Runner UK

Bee

‘We asked

runners to

run for 22

minutes in memory of

the 22 people who

tragically died in the

Manchester attacks,’

explains Virtual Runner

founder Susan

Wheatcroft.

Spitfire

‘A popular

choice

raising

funds for the RAF

Benevolent Fund,’ says

Wheatcroft. ‘A new

medal has been

launched for 2019.’

Unicorn

‘A firm

favourite

with people

of all ages and abilities,’

says Wheatcroft.

Golden

Ticket

‘A 5K or

10K event.

It bagged entrants

a super-cool medal

which opens up to

reveal a secret Virtual

Runner ticket.’

Love

Running

‘A quirky

medal that

comes complete with a

removable pin badge.’

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VIRTUAL RUNNING

SEPTEMBER 2019 RUNNERSWORLD.COM/UK 037

G POOLE

Virtual location: Bixby Bridge,

Big Sur Marathon, California

Actual location: Brynmill

Park, Swansea