Coronavirus Resources for Participants

Problem:

"My race isn't happening as expected. What are my choices now?"

 

It depends.

All races set their own options, based on the specifications of their event and organization and you may not be presented with all of these options. Consult the race page (go here for more information about finding your race) to learn what the options are for your race. 

 

But what do these options mean?

The details may vary by race, but these are some basic definations to help you figure it out.

Jump to:

• Virtual Race
• Race Postponed
• Defer Registration
• Keep or Donate Registration Fee
• Transfer to Another Race
• Get a Refund

 

Why doesn't my race offer X option?

Every race is different. The options provided depend on specific conditions for the event, including:

• Costs for vendors, swag, permitting, etc., that have already been paid
• Local scheduling flexibility, including other events, permitting offices, and weather
• Scope of the organization and whether they own and operate multiple events
• Use of race as a crucial fundraiser for a specific nonprofit or cause
• Amount of time between the decision not to hold the event and the scheduled date of the event
• Availaibility of race timing companies and other vendors

Please respect the options provided by your race, and reach out to the race directly if you have questions.

 

This Race is Now Virtual!

A virtual race is one that you can participate in on your own time and at a safe distance from other runners. Virtual races have existed for years, but with social distancing guidelines, many races are using virtual events to allow participants to complete their race and stay active. There are variations by race, but the basics include:

• A date range: The length of time can vary from hours to months, but a virtual race will set a time range for you to complete the distance you registered for.
• Flexible courses: Many virtual runs have no set course, meaning you can complete the distance anywhere you want (including on a treadmill). Some races will offer a few "official" courses that you can run, but keep in mind that these are most likely not marked (or lightly marked) and usually open to traffic. 
• Results: Most virtual races report results. Often, these result are based on the honor-system, but some races will ask for corroborating links to data from a GPS watch or phone app. Your race may have reporting via a Google Form, emails, social media posts, or via RunSignup's virtual results system. If your race is using RunSignup's virtual results, you can find information about reporting your results here. 
• Swag: Yes, most virtual races still have swag (like t-shirts and/or medals) for you! Some will offer some sort of pick-up (either now, at a future race, or at a future date when the restrictions are lifted), and others will ship your swag. If you are instructed to update your Shipping Address, you can do that via these instructions.

A few more features that some races will offer for their virtual event:

• Social Communities: Many races will offer a Facebook Group, Facebook Page, Strava Club, specific hashtags, or other social media opportunities to engage. Posting pictures, sharing experiences, and encouraging other runners is encouraged!
• GPS tracking via RaceJoy. If your race offers GPS tracking with RaceJoy, it will also provide a few courses that you can choose from. You must run one of those courses for the tracking to work, but then your friends and family can "watch" your progress throughout the race and send you supportive cheers (from a distance). You can find more information about setting up and using RaceJoy, if it is available for your race, in this how-to.

 

Race Postponed: Stay in Race

This race has been, or will be rescheduled for a new date in the future. If you're staying in a postponed race, you plan to run the race at the new date. Some races will know their reschedule date now, but due to the dynamic nature of the situation, many races are waiting until restrictions are loosened before they set a firm date.

 

Defer My Registration:

If you defer your registration, you are planning to run the race at next year's date. A few things to look for with a deferral:

• Some races will charge a fee (either now, or when you register next year) for a deferral. Check the policy of the race.
• You may need to go through the process of re-registering for the race next year, either through regular registration, via a coupon code, or with a reserved entry. Check with the race for any action you will need to take.

 

Keep or Donate my Registration Fee:

This option means that you know you will not participate in the event, but would like the race organization keep your fee to support their work and/or their cause.

Race organizations have significant overhead, including permitting fees, race swag, and other vendors, and with an emergency cancellation, many of those costs have already been incurred. Most race organizations are small businesses or nonprofits with small margins and the sudden cancellation of all their events is a huge risk to their business - and their ability to bring back your favorite events next year. This article has a little bit more information about the sunk costs of races.

 

Transfer to Another Race:

Some race organizations put on multiple races in a year, and may allow you to transfer your registration for an existing race to one later in the year. The process for this will vary by race; contact the race if you are unsure of any action you should be taking.

 

Get a Refund:

Not all races are able to offer full refunds (see this article for some more information about why), but some will give you the option to request one. Refunds can take some time - often funds need to be transferred back into the race before it can be paid out to participants - so be patient.