Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Costume Dash 5K Virtual Run to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
As I might have mentioned once or twice (or a million times), I’m kind of a Halloween aficionado. I like it so much in fact, that I decided to make my entry into the world on Halloween, and to add a bit of icing to the birthday cake, I also delivered my youngest son on Halloween! So when the opportunity to participate in this virtual run came up, I immediately signed the two of us up! What better way to celebrate our birthdays? I am really liking these virtual races for multiple reasons. First, they have kept me motivated during the cancellations of so many in-person races. Second, there are so many fun options out there, and I really do enjoy the great swag! And last, I’ve been doing a lot of these virtuals with my son (and often our pup), which has made them all the more enjoyable, since I’m usually a solo runner.
The swag for this race was great and included a ringer tee (available in women’s, men’s, and youth sizes, which I sooooo appreciated), a trick-or-treat bag, Halloween-themed temporary tattoos, and a pretty awesome finisher’s medal. Our packets arrived a couple of weeks before we did our run. To add to the fun, the whole neighborhood was nicely decorated (I like to think they did it just for us), and I wore my awesome new Halloween-themed outfit from MeUndies! We had beautiful weather and we enjoyed seeing everyone’s decorations around the neighborhood.
The race is partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, an organization that my family and I have supported for years. This is the main reason I enjoy doing these virtual runs – not only to support the races themselves, but to help support the charities they are involved with.
This was a fun event and would be an ideal family activity. I’m hoping to see more of these virtual options, even once we are back to in-person races without restrictions. They serve as great motivators for walkers and runners alike, and they definitely add to the inclusivity we all seek to promote in the running community.
How do you feel about virtual races? Will you continue to do them once the situation allows for more in-person races? I know I will!
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On my 2021/2022/2023 Race Calendar:
March 5, 2023: Tokyo Marathon
November 7, 2021: Hot Chocolate Chicago 15K
October 23, 2021: Costume Dash Virtual 5K
October 10, 2021: Virtual 125th Boston Marathon
October 10, 2021: Chicago Marathon
September 18, 2021: Virtual 2021 B.A.A. Half Marathoner
September 15, 2021: Inspiration4 Miler Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
July 31, 2021: PNC Chicago Bears Virtual 5K
At first I ran many virtuals. ESP when the race was cancelled. Now I tend to only run virtual for a great cause or when it is free.
Yours looked like a fun one.
Yes, I agree with the good cause issue. This one was definitely fun!
I wholeheartedly agree with virtual races. So many people say they’re “done” with them, but they do serve many valuable purposes, which you highlighted quite well. I LOVE you outfit! It’s great the weather also took a cue from the neighborhood and cooperated for your race day/birthday 😉
Thanks, Kim! I don’t mind the virtual races at all – especially the ones with fun themes!