Frequently Asked Questions for Virtual races
This is the Virtual FAQ. For general questions about the Downtown Run Around please click here.
What is the “virtual” Downtown Run Around?
- A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location and time you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on a road, trail, treadmill, or on a track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. You then enter your time results on the race registration page.
Can the virtual runners still participate as FundRacers?
- Yes, Mile in My Shoes programs need your fundraising support more than ever! Our members are counting on us to continue to find new & creative ways to keep them connected and running -- you will be given the opportunity to sign up during registration, or you are invited to sign up here. Your efforts help us to continue to provide gear, incentives, and mentorship to our current and future members.
How do I enter my results?
In order to have your results be on the official results page, you will need to enter your results by following these steps:
- Go to the results page and find your registration by either searching for your name or email address.
- Click on “Submit Virtual Results” under the “Events” column. Now enter your time for the race or simply check the “I finished, but did not time my run” box
- Results will be accepted until 5 pm on Monday June 10
How do I print out my finisher’s certificate?
- Go to the results page.
- In the “Result Set” drop-down menu, choose “MiMS Downtown Run Around” then search for your name or email address
- Click on your name then choose “Certificate”
How will I get my race packet (t-shirt and race number)?
- For local Twin Cities residents, please plan to pick up your gear at one of the packet pickup dates.
- If you chose the mailing option at registration (for registrants living outside the Twin Cities area), your t-shirt and any purchased merchandise will be mailed to you on or before the week of June 2 (race week) so you have your gear in time for race day. For both in-person and virtual races, to guarantee you receive your shirt by race day, be sure to register by May 6.
Can I switch between the in-person and virtual events after I register?
- If you registered for an in-person race but decide you would rather switch to participating virtually, you simply email us and ask to transfer your registration. If you registered for the virtual event, the ability to transfer to the in-person race will be dependent upon any current restrictions on the size of the field and the number of people already registered but we will do our best to meet your request.
Can I join a team if I'm doing a virtual race?
- Creating or joining a team is a way to make your race experience extra fun - giving you a great excuse to connect with friends or family and win prizes! Team members can be a combination of any age, gender, distance and in-person or virtual registrants -- so friends and family from anywhere can join you. One team member will create the team when they register and then send the team name out to your future teammates, who will choose that team when they register. Teams are encouraged to run at the same time from wherever they are, use technology to connect with one another, and get creative in making a fun race experience!
- Did you already register, and decided to join or create a team afterwards? No problem. Simply go to your RunSignUp profile, click on "Manage Registration" and scroll down to where it says "Groups/Teams."
- Race staff are happy to help if you have any questions about teams. Email us at dra5k@mileinmyshoes.mn.
Where should I run the virtual Downtown Run Around?
- You can run or walk your race anywhere you like! Make up your own route or you can use a site or app like MapMyRun to measure and map out a course ahead of time. You may also use a treadmill if you’d prefer.
How do I show that I am participating?
- Share your photos and videos using the hashtags #DowntownRunAround and #MileinMyShoes on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and follow us on those platforms!
How many miles is a 5K?
- 5K = 3.1 miles
How should I track my run?
- For an outdoor run, you will need a tracking device to help you measure the 3.1 miles. Any smartwatch, GPS device or phone app that tracks mileage is acceptable. You can also measure a course in advance on a website such as MapMyRun or Google Maps, and then time yourself using a watch. When you complete your run, you will enter your time on the registration page. (Specific instructions for entering your time are listed above and also will be emailed to you.)
When should I run my race?
- Ideally, everyone will run on June 8th, but you can run whenever it fits in your schedule before June 10! You must complete your race and submit your time by 5 pm on June 10 to be included in the official results.
Still have questions?
- Email us at dra5k@mileinmyshoes.mn
