E
B TURNER
Virtual location: Bixby Bridge,
Big Sur Marathon, California
Actual location: St Kilda Rd,
Melbourne, Australiashe 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 afew 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,’ heFive memorable
medals up for grabs
on Virtual Runner UKBee
‘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.’WORDS: ISAAC WILLIAMS. PHOTOGRAPHS:
GETTY. ILLUSTRATION: OLIVER BURSTON
VIRTUAL RUNNING
SEPTEMBER 2019 RUNNERSWORLD.COM/UK 037G POOLE
Virtual location: Bixby Bridge,
Big Sur Marathon, California
Actual location: Brynmill
Park, Swansea