The Virtual Run Challenge is offering FREE entry into Earth Day 50th Anniversary Challenge amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 race cancellations

March 27, 2020

Race Canceled? Whether you are a runner or walker, The Virtual Run Challenge offers various challenges and virtual events to keep you active. Distances range from a standard 5k event all the way up to 100+ Miles. The Earth Day Challenge is no different. Let's work together and accomplish something great.

• Recently, canceled races due to COVID-19 have left runners without competition
• Free entry is available for the Earth Day 50th Anniversary Virtual Run Challenge and is available to people of all ages
• The goal of the Earth Day 50th Virtual Run Challenge is for runners to collectively log enough miles to equal the distance around earth at the equator—24,901 miles
• Portions of proceeds from all virtual races at the Virtual Run Challenge are donated to various charities associated with each race

Vero Beach, Fla.—Amidst the ongoing race cancellations due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent social distancing protocols, The Virtual Run Challenge, founded by AJ Peterson in 2017, is offering runners an alternative to traditional racing with virtual running events like the Earth Day 24,901 Mile Challenge. This gives those runners, otherwise discouraged by canceled races, another outlet for competition. The Earth Day virtual challenge is a cumulative event that lasts the entire month of April, giving runners or walkers a new focus during these uncertain times.

The Virtual Run Challenge is offering free entry into the Earth Day 24,901 Mile Challenge, so those who might have come upon hard times recently can still enjoy the event. In its inaugural year, the Earth Day 24,901 Mile Challenge worked with corporate wellness events for companies like Vanguard Retirement Ascensus. In light of school closings, this challenge presents an opportunity to schools and parents to help keep kids active and educate them about the 50 years of Earth Day.  The Virtual Run Challenge has also begun working with local Park and Recreation departments assisting them in giving their communities a way to stay active.

Upgrading to a paid entry will yield some incredible Earth Day Challenge swag including an official Earth Day Challenge t-shirt, commemorative finisher medal, wildflower seeds, and a silicone-tipped stainless-steel straw. Participants feel as if they are a part of something even while practicing social distancing. For more information on the Earth Day Challenge, check out our Facebook group; Earth Day Run Challenge.

The goal of the Earth Day 24,901 Mile Challenge is for runners to collectively log miles equal to the distance around the earth at the equator. Last year, participants logged a total of 26,528.7892 miles, which included miles gained on runs, walks and even quick trips to the mailbox. This year, the goal is to amass total mileage to equal multiple laps around earth. Beginning April 1 through April 30, participants are asked to keep track of their miles and report them to The Virtual Run Challenge’s results page daily or weekly. At the end of the month, everyone’s miles will be tallied.

The Virtual Run Challenge is committed to giving back. A portion of the proceeds from the Earth Day Challenge goes to the National Park Foundation’s Restoration Fun. Working with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation helps to restore national parks damaged by both manmade and natural disaster. Other charities The Virtual Run Challenge supports with various virtual running challenges and events includes Project Purple, WIRES (Australian Wildlife Rescue Organization), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Feed the Children.

About The Virtual Run Challenge

The brainchild of AJ Peterson, The Virtual Run Challenge was established with the intent of creating a community of runners who can race on their own terms and locations with virtual running events. Improving health through running and giving back is a fundamental principle to Peterson. A portion of earnings from each virtual race goes to support a designated charity. No stranger to distance racing in both the virtual and live realm, Peterson has worked for Spartan Race, a series of obstacle races designed to physically and mentally push participants to their best performances. He is also owner of Smart Race Solutions, which offers the full array of racing services including race timing, event marketing and race management for live events around the globe. For more information or to inquire about working with The Virtual Run Challenge for your charity or non-profit organization, check out www.thevirtualrunchallenge.com.