Why virtual marathons are good for you?

I just ran the Berlin Half Marathon in 1:17:36 (my Personal Best). It was the Virtual Berlin Half Marathon by Generali. But you can’t call it virtual! “Legs” won’t let me call it that way 😅

COVID-19 has, of course, taken away from many people the joy of participating in mass competition around the world. But other possibilities opened up.

For example, virtual versions of the world’s largest races. Does it sound ambiguous? Let’s figure it out!

If you live in the pre-COVID world there is a list of disadvantages: lack of competitors, no fans and, taking cool photos is now your own concern, the medal is now mailed only, no podium for winners, now there is only you in your crew. And your Strava followers.

I agree, a lot of things are missing. I am sure that all these “no’s” will be enough to remain indifferent to virtual races.

But the world has changed and perhaps virtual race is your chance to test yourself in the New World Order.

Moreover, virtual racing have many advantages 🔥

✅ Start anywhere. You can participate in any world race — in Tokyo, Moscow, London, Berlin, New York — anywhere! You can run any of them in your native park.

✅ You are guaranteed an official ranking in any Major Marathon inaccessible to this day or the most unusual race on planet Earth. All you need is a GPX file of your own race on a home track.

✅ You choose the time and place of the start — in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening. In a park or stadium. Alone or in company. The main thing is to keep within the time interval given to you by the organizers. This is usually 3 days.

✅ The cost of participation in virtual world Majors marathons is about 10 times lower than a slot at traditional competitions. And if you count the cost of “tourism”, then the difference reaches 100 times in favor of a virtual event. For example, a virtual half marathon in Berlin costs 7 euros. A real one costs 70😳

✅ The value of the result, in our opinion, is much higher. This is your real inner ability to overcome yourself, fighting fatigue and the constant desire to finish … Imagine the result you would show when you will be encouraged and motivated from all sides 🚀

✅ You will never be late with your slot purchase. They will not be sold like hot cakes. The main thing is to pay before a date known in advance.

✅ Now there is no need to be afraid of the running terrain and the weather on the track — you choose where it is more convenient for you to run. In theory, you can run all 42 (or 21) km down or with the tail wind .

✅ Virtual run is a great reason to get a sports watch and Strava account. This is the way all of your friends will exactly know how cool you are!

Choose for yourself, search for your motivation and use new running opportunities. For the sake of many of them, it makes sense to train to surprise yourself and others.

And don’t forget: runners are made when no one else is watching.