Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not able to finish the 2020 Island Race Series last year and unfortunately we cannot participate in large running events at this time.
However, just because we cannot run together, does not mean that we can’t challenge ourselves and continue enjoying the sport that we all love so much.
Therefore, VIRA announced the 39 1/2 Virtual Run Challenge for 2021 and I’m looking forward to trying something different.
These virtual challenges will be over the same time period as the regular VIRA Island Race Series, which was slated to be January – April 2021. There will be two challenges per race: a run challenge and a photo challenge.
Why should you consider taking part in this challenge?
1.It raises funds for a great local charity, which is the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. For those of you who have followed my running journey, you may remember that I’m very passionate about helping this particular local charity and how I ran 12 Marathons in 12 days this summer in support of this cause. All the funds raised make a real difference in the lives of patients at our hospitals.
2. You can win some awesome draw prizes for completing the challenges (and no, you don’t have to be the fastest runner to win). Who wouldn’t like to win something cool?
3. You have a week to complete each challenge at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
4. You can go at your own pace, so whether you are new to running or are a seasoned veteran, this challenge is for you! Runners of all levels are welcome.
Above: How we would have been starting the VIRA Island Race Series…this is a memorable pic, so I’m sharing it here.
VIRA Island Race Series 2021 Run Challenge Descriptions:
You can sign up at any time before the last challenge, and registration is done through RaceRoster.
Harriers Pioneer 8K – January 6 – 13
A. Run challenge: Run 8K with two significant hills.
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie outside a favourite pub
Cobble Hill 10K – January 20 – 27
A. Run challenge: Run 10K with one hill.
B. Photo challenge: Take a picture of an old pair of running shoes (bonus if they are Saucony!)
Cedar 12K – February 3 – 10
A. Run challenge: The Bastion Run Club’s namesake is the iconic Bastion located in Nanaimo’s scenic harbour. Run a 12K route that includes an iconic landmark in your own community.
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie in front of an iconic landmark.
Hatley Castle 8K – February 17-24
A. Run challenge: Run an 8K route which has at least 75% of trail on it.
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie in front of a sign, building, or road that has a Royal connection.
Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K – March 3 – 10
A. Run challenge: Run 15K on one day or over two/ three days
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie with a street, building, sign that is related to Paper.
Comox Valley RV Half Marathon – March 17 – 24
A. Run challenge: Instead of running 21K, run 19K in recognition of COVID-19. This could be run solo or in teams of two – five people (those within your running bubble). Please adhere to the PHO order at the time of your run as to what constitutes a running bubble.
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie in front of an RV.
TriStars Sooke 10K – March 31 – April 7
A. Run challenge: Run the “Coffee Climb” with the most elevation in a 10K distance. This can be trail or road.
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie with a coffee or a treat from a favourite coffee shop
Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K – April 14 – 21
A. Run challenge: Run the flattest 5K you can on the road and/or trail (no track or beach runs allowed). Must be an out and back (2.5km each way).
B. Photo challenge: Take a selfie in front of a health practitioner’s office
I will be sharing how these challenges go for me as well as any running tips that I think will be appropriate for each of the challenges. That being said, if there are running questions that you would like answers to, send them my way! 🙂
I look forward to seeing how this challenge goes for you and I can’t wait to look through the photo gallery!!