For the second year, I enjoyed the Race Across Maryland! What really makes this race stand out is the amount of engagement for a virtual event. There are vlogs as cyclist Mark Clem visits businesses across the state, interactive opportunities on social media with chances to win gift cards, and digital badges to earn as you track your miles and see your progress across the state. I won a $10 gift card and got to pick a business that I enjoy visiting in my city.

The course goes across Maryland, but people can participate from anywhere and log their running or walking miles. There is also a separate cycling option. There are options for 250 miles over 60 days (West-East), 100 miles over 60 days (North-South), or a Double Cross for extra mileage. I chose the 250 miles and finished one day late (61 days), but it kept me motivated during the hot and humid summer.

Race management was great. I enjoyed the interaction, and the swag also arrived very quickly once the 60th day hit. Swag was a beach towel and medal, along with a digital bib, digital certificate and digital badges. I like getting a beach towel more than a shirt or medal, because I have so many shirts and medals, and I will actually use the towel.

I was also part of a social team with my running club, the Eastern Shore Running Club. Teams that got at least 10 people to sign up each got a $10 discount (or refund, if already paid) off the registration fee.

Read my blog post here: https://sherunsbytheseashore.com/2021/08/23/it-took-me-an-extra-day-but-i-finished-the-virtual-race-across-maryland/