Recapping a virtual race can be difficult because everyone will experience something different. However, each event has something a little unique to offer

I had registered for the full marathon way back in February. At that time, it seemed possible that an in person event was going to happen. As the year went on things became more uncertain and at the end of August the in person event was cancelled.

There was an email highlighting the options to move forward with your race entry. There was transfer to the Million Mile Challenge, donate your entry, or defer your entry. The race organization is very prompt with emails. A Refund for the difference was available if you moved to the Million Mile Challenge.

I transferred to the Million Mile Challenge. I think this is something unique and motivated me to get those training miles in. This challenge just asks you to record your miles (through a link) in the hopes of reaching a total of one million miles. This option allowed you to end with the virtual race distance you registered for. Those who are registered for this also are eligible for prizes as milestones are hit. I actually won a race entry for the 2021 event. Included with this registration you also received a t-shirt and swag bag. The t-shirt had your name if you registered by a certain date.

The Challenge swag bag, including that coveted finisher medal, could be picked up in person at a drive thru event, or you could pay to have it shipped.

My Race:
I had a tough time deciding where I was going to run this event, but a friend talked me into running in her town.

On what would have been race day, Saturday, October 17th. I made the short road trip to run on a “bike path." This paved trail connects communities with minimal street crossings, alongside a creek.

The weather was overcast and windy, maybe about 60 ish degrees. Fall was in it’s prime!

I have run sections of this path before, but much of it was new to me, so it felt like an adventure. (One of the things I miss about in person races, running somewhere new to me.)

The path offered some gorgeous fall scenery. My husband moved the truck along the route and took some photos.

There is also a photo contest for this event. In partnership with the app that is available and the Missouri Lottery if you post photos with all the correct hashtags #millionmilechallenge #everymilecounts & #molottery you are eligible to win a Garmin gift card. So, it was nice to have my husband help me out.

Around halfway a friend texted to join up, and about mile 10 the friend that planned the route met up with is. I didn't realize how much I missed running with other people. I really wanted to slow down the pace, but chatting and matching their pace, pulled me through. Thank you to them!

We came to the end of the bike path, where my husband was waiting with the camera. After some chatting, that was it. No medals, no beer, just a warm truck to crawl into. (We did stop at a Portillo's as we don't have one in our city, on our way home. That felt like a celebration.)

There was a link to submit my race results. It was very simple.

Fast forward to Thursday of the same week and my finisher swag arrived. There was a bib in amongst the the goodies, I don’t miss running with a bib, but it’s nice to have one. The bag also contained my finisher medal and million mile t-shirt. The t-shirt has my name on it. The bag also had all the things you might find at an expo, so it was a fun surprise to come home to.

Sure this was no in person event, but I made the most of my virtual experience. I think it’s important to make your virtual effort as close to race day as possible, otherwise you are just out running and it doesn’t feel as special.

Even though it would have been nice to have a medal in hand when I crossed the virtual finish line, I feel this event did the best they could. That’s what you should get from any virtual race recap. They provided options, they were transparent and they made it unique.