Defining a Virtual Race event.
Most Virtual Races are single events that involve individual runners, at various locations, participating at the same time on the same date. The main idea is that an event can still be held, and runners can race wherever they are and then share their individual finish times with event organizers.
Virtual Races, like typical on-site running events, are usually completed within a set time frame and within a set distance, such as a 5k, 10k or half-marathon. The event time frame is set depending on the distance being run. In most Virtual Races, runners will receive an award such as a custom medal to celebrate his or her accomplishment when finishing the race.
As with conventional races, Virtual Races are considered competitive events where speed and besting personal records are encouraged. Virtual Race runners also are vying for top spots in their age categories and winners will be recognized accordingly with titles and Age Group Awards. These awards can be branded swag items, such as running hats or quarter zip shirts – which are a step up from the standard race shirt.
Virtual Challenges tell a different story.
Unlike Virtual Races, Virtual Challenges are completed over a set range of time, whenever or wherever a runner wishes. Typically, Challenge organizers ask participants to complete certain athletic feats, such as running or walking, cycling, or swimming, etc. There are set distances for participants to meet, but those distances do not have to be realized in a single instance. These challenges are usually paced over a week or month-long time frame, or even longer.
Virtual runner in mountains of Washington State
Virtual runner in mountains of Washington StateFor example, if you are running in a Virtual 5k Challenge, you could choose to run 2.5k one day and the second 2.5k the following day or week as long as you complete the total distance by the established date. This allows runners or walkers, etc. of all abilities, to keep their own comfortable pace while they reach their distance goals.
Virtual Challenge participants are typically not experienced athletes, and they may use Virtual Challenges for personal goal reaching rather than for competing against others. Once those goals are met, just as in Virtual Race instances, Challenge finishers are awarded by organizers with branded swag. Usually that swag consists of a unique custom medal.
Choosing Virtual Race or Challenge is all about ability.
Considering the differences in the two virtual “types”, beginner athletes may be better suited for participation in Virtual Challenges versus Virtual Races as there are more options for distances and time frames and they will be able to choose goals and athletic feats that match their individual abilities.
Runners with a higher level of fitness ability are more suited to the Virtual Race platform, as they can perform with a more competitive advantage, and complete events within the established time.
Earth Day Race Medal
Virtual medals of both types need to stand out!
Because runners or participants are paying entry fees to join your virtual event, it’s wise to kick up the medal or swag design a notch or two. A super cool, custom medal is a must to help take place of the on-site excitement and fun.
Virtual Race and Challenge Medals should tell the story of your event, or of the non-profit mission you are supporting, and they should be larger than standard medals and full of unique design elements.
Looking for medal design ideas?
We have a team of artists with years of experience in creating unique medals for races across the globe. From spinners to stained glass, and bottle-openers to dangling pieces, we have the design know-how to help you present the best in unique medal design to your participants. Let us help you pull off the best virtual event ever with our experience and know-how!