What if your marathon is canceled?
Abrupt cancellation of running events is not something unusual nowadays. But this remains a very painful event for all the motivated participants. To address the issue the new trend is growing . Let’s see what this is about!
Recently I received a letter from SCC-Events — Berlin Marathon organizers. This was a questionnaire with practically one question: “What do you think about hybrid format of running event?” I personally think this is a great win-win (even triple win) idea that helps everyone:
- runners and community to stay motivated and have full-fledged plan B,
- event organisers to retain participants, attract new sponsors and grow business.
- cities and events locations to promote itself as a touristic destination
What is it really? In fact this is a combination of traditional live running event and it’s virtual brother (or sister). It happens simultaneously, if all is good, or virtual-only, if live-event is cancelled (plan B). This is in fact runners’ insurance for the case of live event cancellation.
Some may say that virtual events are nonsense. Let’s look at the facts and see what is going on with hybrid running events and virtual racing in major marathons’ world:
Tokyo Marathon announced that, for the first time in their history, they are holding official classic AND virtual events together. Everything is for real here: an official finisher medal, a branded bag and even a mask. You can run such a race by recording your result on the official App of the Virtual Marathon in Tokyo. You just need to choose the day between September 18th to October 5th and run it anywhere in the world. The fastest 1000 finishers will receive official prizes from ASICS — a backpack or belt bag of Tokyo Marathon.
London Virgin Money Marathon is hosting the official Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon for the second time. This run will take place on 03 October 2021 in parallel with the classic city run. In 2020, 37,000 runners took part in the virtual London Marathon. This year there are already 50,000 participants. All competitors will receive an official finisher medal and a London Marathon T-shirt. The running results of the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon can be recorded by using official application — no other options are accepted. The virtual marathon in London has same sponsors as traditional London marathon — Virgin Money, Abbot, New Balance, Tag Heuer and others.
The New York Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary by adding virtual option to its traditional one. You can choose and run the Virtual Marathon anywhere between October 23rd and November 07th, 2021. The New York Marathon is sponsored by Strava, so in addition to the Finisher Medal and the Running Buff, you will receive a 60-day Premium Strava membership. You can choose and run different distances as part of the 2021 Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. So choose and run!
The 125th Boston Marathon also hosts the official Virtual 125th Boston Marathon for the first 70,000 registered participants. We have no doubt that there will be even more! Participants need to run their marathon from October 08 to October 10. Finishers will receive the famous Boston Unicorn medal. All competitors in the Virtual 125th Boston Marathon will count as the consequitive strike of the Boston Marathon. This is especially important for those who start several times in a row from year to year. And there are enough of them in the oldest major in the world.
Well? Do you still think this is nonsense? Then you run the risk of staying away from the global trend. So throw your prejudices aside, choose your virtual race and run. Show, finally, what you are capable of!
For the most conservative runners, we also have a recipe for a true marathon. It’s simple — make your marathon yourself:
- Gather 3 running friends — these are your rivals.
- Call 2 more cyclists — these are your pacemakers, aid stations and a support group at the same time.
- Choose a convenient and, preferably, a lap track — this way you can regularly meet with all participants during the race.
- Take your family and friends — they can cheer you up on the track.
- Turn on your sports watches and Run!
OMY! Sports will always provide a solution and support in the most difficult moments. But you still need to run towards your goal!
OMY! Sports Team