Many runners have asked for some help in making their choice for this years GMS Queen City Marathon. To help those still deciding or to encourage those who opted for refund to come back we have tried to answer some of the major questions.
What is a Virtual Run?
A virtual run is the “new normal” in the Covid-19 era for large races and is an exciting alternative to traditional races for this year. A virtual run is the opportunity to run your race at your pace at your time and in your place.
Why Run A Virtual Run?
Many people will ask themselves why they should run a virtual event this year. Here are a few reasons we think you should run.
- You set goals and have been training for that purpose
- Running is great for our mental and physical health as well as a great stress reliever
- It will give you something positive to focus on – I can do versus I can’t do
- To be a part of a great running and walking community
- Provides you with a sense of accomplishment
- We are including some cool swag for our virtual events
- It is the best way to support your local running events – Shop Local, Run Local
How Does a Virtual Run Work?
Choose Your Own Day and Time
With your virtual event you have the ability to choose a day and time that works in your schedule this year. With the entire month of September to run your virtual event you should be able to select a day that provides your ideal conditions.
- What weather do you want to run in?
- What time of day do you prefer to run?
- Be sure to work around family and work schedules.
Choose Your Course
Most runners have always wanted to test their hand at course design. This is your chance to design and run a course you love. All our local communities have great pathways, neighbourhoods and attractions that could be included in your course this year.
Things to think about in your course design
- How many other people will you encounter on your course? We need to consider physical distancing recommendations.
- Where are washrooms and hydration stations? Do you need to stay close to home to access these?
- Do you want to run hills or a flat course? Do you want many turns or mostly a straight out and back?
- What role might vehicle traffic have on the course? Remember your course (most likely) has no course marshals.
- What surface do you prefer to run on? Are you a pavement person or do you prefer trail? Is a treadmill your go to for runs?
Make it Feel Like a Real Event and Have Fun With It
While it will be challenging to recreate the full race day experience with thousands of runners we encourage you to include as many elements as possible. Invite your family to be part of race day. Include them as part of your start and finish line, have them provide a water station in the front yard if you are looping past your house, or have them provide a cheer station with music and signs. This is your opportunity to be as creative as possible.
In the days leading up to your race day think about the routine you had prepared for your original race day. Your fuelling, hydration, sleep and mental preparation are still an important part of your race. Lay out your shoes and clothes the night before you plan to run. The day is still yours and the success you will have is based on good preparation.
How Do I Track and Record My Time?
We will be partnering with Race Roster and Runkeeper to automatically record times to our website if you choose. Alternatively you will be able to manually upload times from your devices and/or apps like Garmin, Strava or Map My Run. Recording an official time is not a requirement to participant in this year’s event.
I Would Like to Transfer Events
Many people have asked about transferring distances in the past week and we have heard you. You are now able to transfer events on your Race Roster dashboard with no additional administrative fees this year. If you have difficulty transferring events please let us know and we will assist you or direct you to Race Roster for help.
Will I Get My Race Kit?
We are excited to get our race shirts, medals and swag into your hands prior to September if possible. We will be providing curbside pickup in Regina for local runners, with instructions on when and where for pickup being sent in August. For runners outside the Regina area we will find a solution to get them to you without having to come to Regina for pickup. We will ensure everyone registered in this year’s virtual event will get his or her race kit!
Commitment from the GMS Queen City Marathon
We recognize that most of our runners have already started training and have invested time and resources into their race plans for this year. Therefore, we felt it was important to give you the opportunity to still have your race day this September. It is going to look and feel a little different this year (but what doesn’t these days) and we are confident that we can provide you a great experience.
Our volunteer team is working to incorporate as many elements of our traditional race weekend in our plans to help you throughout September. We ask you to believe in us and trust in our ability to provide value and some special treats in this special year. No one planned for or envisioned a virtual event when we all started the 2020 race season but now that we are there we will ensure that those who run with us will remember and have a great experience.
Stay active and stay safe. We cannot wait to see photos from your virtual run in September.
Shawn Weimer
Executive Director - Run Regina
Race Director – GMS Queen City Marathon
