Virtual Races Support Health Goals and Michigan Organizations
| 3 min read
Looking for ways to keep your fitness goals on track? While the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to large running events and organized activities, many race organizers have shifted to virtual formats.
What is a virtual race? All races work a bit differently, but essentially, participants run or walk the distance they’ve signed up for during a designated time frame. Some races will mail you virtual swag like medals and shirts.
Why should I sign up? Virtual races benefit your health and, in many cases, organizations that do great work in communities.
- Setting a goal to work toward can inspire you to keep moving physically, which has great mental and physical health benefits.
- Many races use proceeds from entry fees to benefit local organizations and causes. Without these races, non-profits across Michigan and elsewhere could be losing out on a big funding source.
Ready to lace up your sneaks and start training for a cause? We’ve found some great Michigan-based options to get you motivated to cross that virtual finish line. Many are family-friendly and there are options for walkers as well.
- May 23: The Freedom 4 Veterans Virtual Race* | 4 Mile Run/Walk & 1 Mile Family Walk | Benefits non-profits in Clio area
- June 6: Michigan VisionWalk 2020 | Fundraising Walk | Benefits Foundation Fighting Blindness
- June 12: Run for the Impact | 5K/ 1 Mile | Benefits Family Impact Centers in Fowlerville
- June 13: Mayor’s Riverwalk and Run* | 5K | Benefits One Lansing Emergency Relief Fund
- June (monthlong): MI Y, Our Y| 5K | Benefits Michigan YMCAs
- June 20: Clio Can-Do 5K* | 5K Run/Walk & Kid’s Run | Benefits non-profits in Clio area
- June 27: Stroll for Epilepsy* | Virtual rally and walk | Benefits Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
- June 27: The Amazing Race* | Virtual scavenger hunt | Benefits Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor
- July 18: Frankenmudder* |5K | Benefits Frankenmuth’s Michigan Heroes Museum
- July 25: Ele’s Race | 5K Run/Walk | Benefits Ele’s Place – Capital Region
- July 25 – Aug. 1: Gift of Life MOTTEP LIFE Walk/Run* | 5K Run/Walk; 10K Run | Benefits Detroit Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program Foundation
- Aug. 15: Bolt for the Heart | 5K/10K | Benefits efforts to place an Automated External Defibrillator in every Michigan State Police patrol care and provide preventive cardiac screenings for MSP troopers.
- Aug. 15-16: Virtual CIA – Challenge, Inspire, Achieve*| 5K | Benefits Arbor Circle
- Aug. 29: Run Drugs Out of Town* |5K | Benefits Families Against Narcotics
- Through August: Mi Great Journey | Distance varies | Benefits Greater Midland Community Center/ Midland Area Community Foundation Flood Relief
Have you participated in a virtual run or walk this year? Tell us about your experience in the comments. If you’re a Michigan race organizer and would like your virtual event included on this list, post a link below!
*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are sponsors of these events.
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Photo credit: urbazon
