Since 2014, we have hosted virtual races benefitting more than 100 different charities. Read the details about each of our open virtual races below, or jump straight to our Available Medals list to see photos of all of the virtual race medals we have in stock.
Quest For The Golden Doubloon Virtual Race
Race Period: Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: The Ocean Cleanup
Regular Price: $30
Club VS Member Price: $25 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Are you ready for an exciting adventure? Join the Quest for the Golden Doubloon virtual race and experience the thrill of hunting for lost treasure while supporting a charity dedicated to ridding the world’s oceans of plastic. You can run, walk, bike, or swim a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon, or create your own Custom Challenge. Most participants will receive a stunning 4″ shipwreck medal with a replica silver coin (a doubloon) under the hinged compass, but here’s the exciting part: 10 lucky medals will include a special GOLDEN COIN instead. If your medal contains a lucky GOLDEN COIN, you will win a $100 Virtual Strides store credit!
As always, medals will be shipped after you upload your results or at the end of the virtual race period, whichever comes first. Medals containing GOLDEN COINS will be randomly distributed to Quest for the Golden Doubloon participants throughout the race period. For complete contest rules and details, please read the Official Rules.
Found a Golden Coin? Fill out the Quest for the Golden Doubloon Prize Claim Form by 11:59 p.m. EDT on November 30, 2023 in order to claim your prize!
About the Charity: Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup is developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time, impacting nearly 700 marine species. The aim is to put themselves out of business once the oceans are clean. They are fully reliant on donations from individuals, corporations, governments and institutions.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to The Ocean Cleanup. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit TheOceanCleanup.com.
Maui Strong Virtual Race
Race Period: Aug. 18 – Sept. 30
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Maui Food Bank
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
9/21 SHIPPING UPDATE: Orders that include Maui Strong medals may not ship until mid-October.
About this Virtual Run: Show your support for those devastated by the wildfires in Hawaii by joining the Maui Strong virtual race to benefit the Maui Food Bank Disaster Relief Fund. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to support the cause. All participants will receive a sparkly 3.5″ ALOHA medal as a thank you for joining this virtual race. Mahalo!
Add A Shirt: Add an ALOHA shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Help spread the aloha by adding this matching shirt to your order. Black shirts with a white decal are available in adult unisex sizes S-XXL.
About the Charity: Maui Food Bank’s mission is to help the hungry in Maui County by collecting and distributing food through community partnerships. The Maui Food Bank is Maui County’s primary safety net for hunger relief. The Food Bank provides safe and nutritious food to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry. Of those served, 40% are children and youth. Working with more than 100 distribution partners and programs, the Food Bank distributes safe and nutritious food to individuals, families, kids, the working poor, seniors on fixed incomes, the homeless and anyone who is at risk of going hungry. This includes people in need living in the rural communities of Hana, Molokai and Lanai.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Maui Food Bank. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit MauiFoodBank.org.
Hollywood Hustle Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Hollywood Sign Trust
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hollywood sign by registering to run, walk, swim, or bike the Hollywood Hustle virtual race whenever and wherever you want. All participants will receive this giant 6″ Hollywood sign film strip medal featuring detachable raised letters and weighing in at 12 ounces! The ribbon includes a quote by Hollywood legend Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Add A Shirt: Add a Custom Hollywood Star Shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). These golden stars decals with YOUR NAME and a runner emblem are available on black shirts in adult sizes S-XXL. We recommend keeping the name to 14 characters or less – The more characters, the smaller the font will be.
About the Charity: The Hollywood Sign Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes and responsible for physically maintaining, repairing and securing the Hollywood Sign; providing capital improvements for the benefit of the public at large; and educating the world about the Sign’s historical and cultural importance. Since its charter in 1992 the Hollywood Sign Trust has led a range of projects to preserve, protect and promote the Sign, including major refurbishments, the most recent in 2022, and the installation of a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system, which has been expanded and improved numerous times.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Hollywood Sign Trust. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit HollywoodSign.org.
Sloth Running Team Virtual Race
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Rainforest Trust
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: We’ll get there when we get there, but we will get there! Join the Sloth Running Team virtual race to support a charity that saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet by creating rainforest reserves. All participants will receive an adorable 5″ mama-with-baby sloth medal and a bonus sloth charm that can be clipped to a zipper, a shoelace, or anywhere else you like.
Add A Shirt: Add a Sloth Running Team Champion shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in white, black, pink, or royal blue:
About the Charity: Rainforest Trust was founded in 1988 as the World Parks Endowment to save endangered species by creating new parks and reserves in the tropics, where most of the world’s biodiversity is found.The strategic plan for 2021-2025 doubles down on their mission, commits to raising and allocating $200 million, and pledges to contribute to saving half of the world’s threatened birds and mammals.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Rainforest Trust. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit RainforestTrust.org.
The Key Virtual Race
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Save the Children
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Unlock your inner potential by joining the The Key virtual race. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want, all while supporting a charity that helps children in the United States and around the world. All participants will receive this intricate, fully-3D, 6″ skeleton key medal.
Add A Shirt: Add a Running/Dying shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in heather red, dark heather gray, heather navy, or dark lilac:
About the Charity: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Their founder, Eglantyne Jebb, saw children dying of starvation and wracked with disease after the end of the First World War. So, in 1919, she launched the Save the Children Fund to raise much-needed funds to end children’s suffering across war-torn Europe.
Today, over 100 years later, they work in the United States and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, they are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. They do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
EMERGENCY ALERT from SaveTheChildren.org: “We are gravely concerned for children in Turkey, Syria and around the world who might be caught in the middle of natural disasters, conflict and exposed to injury, hunger and sub-zero temperatures. Save the Children is right now on the ground, in the U.S. and around the world, delivering essential aid.”
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Save The Children. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit SaveTheChildren.org.
Candy Hearts Virtual Race
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Heart to Heart International
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Celebrate love by registering for the Candy Hearts virtual race. Try a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or create your own custom challenge and run, walk, step, bike or swim whenever and wherever you want! All participants will receive a 4″ heart-shaped medal full of inspiring phrases and loads of loose color fill. With 6 colors of candy shapes and 36 different inspirational phrases, no two medals will be alike!
What’s with the “Surprise” parts of of the medal photo? Don’t worry, the phrases are all positive and G-rated, but we received a letter from Spangler Candy Company asking us to not use any images in our promotion of this event that could be confusingly similar to their SWEETHEARTS candy brand. Conversation hearts have been a popular Valentine’s Day candy produced by several different companies since the early 1900s, but we certainly do not want to create any consumer confusion. Spangler Candy Company has absolutely no affiliation with this event.
Matching Shirts: Add a LOVE shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in heather red:
About the Charity: Heart to Heart International works every day to improve access to health throughout the United States and the world. Through HHI’s work, people in need receive medications, direct medical care, hygiene supplies and medical supplies.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Heart to Heart International. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit HeartToHeart.org.
Let It Snow Virtual Race
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Share Winter Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Even if the weather outside is frightful, you should still register for the “Let It Snow” virtual race to support a charity that improves the lives, health, and fitness of youth through winter sports. Run, walk, step, bike, or even swim to support the cause and earn this beautiful 4″ snowflake ornament medal, featuring a detachable ribbon so it can be hung on your Christmas tree or anywhere else you like. As an added bonus, we are including a matching snowflake zipper pull that you can attach to a jacket, backpack, or even your running shoes.
Matching Shirts: Add an Up To Snow Good shirt or a Snow What Fun It Is To Run shirt (both with glittery snowflakes), to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Share Winter Foundation works closely with carefully selected grantees to build efficient, effective, sustainable winter sports programs and pipelines to encourage winter sports participation. They strive to make winter sports accessible to a broader, more diverse community, and hope to share winter with 100,000 youth by 2028.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Share Winter Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit ShareWinterFoundation.org.
Forget Me Not Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Alzheimer’s Association
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Memories matter. Join the Forget Me Not virtual race and run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to support Alzheimer’s research. All participants will receive a 4″ forget-me-not flower medal featuring a glittery monarch butterfly and a detachable purple Alzheimer’s Awareness lapel pin.
Matching Shirts: Add a Forget Me Not shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). You can optionally add a custom sleeve decal to honor a loved one for an additional $5. Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. They work on a national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research and care initiatives at the state and federal level.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit alz.org.
Uncle Sam Challenge Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Any Soldier
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: We want YOU to take the Uncle Sam Challenge to help us support a charity that directly supports our troops by sending them care packages while they are deployed. Register for this virtual race and then run, walk, step, bike, or swim your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to support the cause. All participants will receive a patriotic 4.5″ Uncle Sam bottle opener medal with a removable ribbon.
Matching Shirts: Add a USA Flag shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Any Soldier Inc. started as a simple family effort to help their son, Army Sergeant Brian Horn, who was one of the 1,000 Soldiers who parachuted into Northern Iraq on March 26th, 2003. They knew his unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was living under very rough conditions, so they were sending Brian care packages as often as they could. The Horns developed the idea for AnySoldier.com after Brian requested more and more care packages be sent so that he could give them to soldiers that were not receiving any. Marty Horn, Brian’s father, created a website that explained the project and offered Brian’s address, including the words “Attn: Any Soldier.” In January 2004, the Horns opened up the project to the other Military branches, and within one year, they went from seven Military contacts distributing “Any Soldier” packages to 3,500. To date, they have served over 1.3 million troops!
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Any Soldier. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit AnySoldier.com.
Golden Record Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: The Planetary Society
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: With hopes that intelligent extraterrestrial beings would someday find them, NASA mounted two copies of a phonograph known as the Golden Record to Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, twin probes launched in 1977. The Golden Record consists of 115 analog-encoded photographs, greetings in 55 languages, a 12-minute montage of “Sounds on Earth,” and 90 minutes of music selected by a committee chaired by astronomer Carl Sagan.
Join the Golden Record virtual race and run, walk, bike or swim your way to earning your very own half-pound 4″ Golden Record medal, complete with the engraved symbols from the original’s cover on the reverse side.
P.S. The only alien response to date: “Send more Chuck Berry.” 🙂
Matching Shirts: Add a Give Me Some Space shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available three colors and adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Founded by Carl Sagan, Louis Friedman, and Brice Murry in 1980, The Planetary Society‘s mission is to empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration. Today, The Planetary Society continues this work, under the leadership of CEO Bill Nye, as the world’s largest and most influential non-profit space organization. The organization is supported by over 50,000 members in over 100 countries.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Planetary Society. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit Planetary.org.
Give A Hoot Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Florida Wildlife Hospital
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Give a Hoot virtual race and help us support the Florida Wildlife Hospital, a charity that has rescued, rehabilitated, and released thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida animals in Virtual Strides’ home state. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim your way to earning this gorgeous 5″ (partially) stained-glass owl medal that includes a suction cup on the back so it can be attached to a window.
Matching Shirts: Add an It’s OWL Good shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Lime green shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Since 1973, Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) has rescued, rehabilitated, and released thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida animals. The Mission: Keeping wildlife wild by providing quality, compassionate care. Located in Palm Shores, Florida, FWH is available 365 days a year to admit wildlife patients. They care for more than 5,000 patients per year. There is never charge for animal care but they receive no state or federal funding. FWH is the only facility of its kind in the area and provides immeasurable and critical value to the community and to the lives of the wildlife cared for at their facility.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Florida Wildlife Hospital. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit FloridaWildlifeHospital.org.
Stars And Stripes Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Regular Price: $30
Club VS Member Price: $25 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join us in supporting a charity that provides college scholarships to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty by registering for the Stars and Stripes virtual race. You can run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this patriotic 4″ camo flag medal featuring a 3D molded brass eagle.
BONUS: All registrations come with an additional matching flag patch with a Velcro backing that can be sewn (or taped) onto clothing, a backpack, or anywhere else you want to display it.
Matching Shirts: Add a Land of the Free shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). White shirts are 50/50 poly/cotton dryblend, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The mission of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. They are dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit FallenPatriots.org.
Anchors Aweigh Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Find Your Anchor
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Little by little, one goes far. Hoist your anchor and join the Anchors Aweigh virtual race! Run, walk, bike or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this gorgeous 4″ fully-3D anchor and brass chain medal while supporting a charity focused on suicide prevention, awareness, and education.
Matching Shirts: Add an Anchors Aweigh shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Navy Blue shirts with a metallic gold anchor are 50/50 poly/cotton dryblend, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Simply put, the goal of the Find Your Anchor movement is suicide prevention, awareness, and education. The premise behind Find Your Anchor is that each person needs an anchor. “Establish an anchor — a dependable, stable, secure base that you can hold on to, one that keeps you firmly planted, no matter what winds or storms may come.” Find Your Anchor doesn’t assume to be the anchor, or have all the answers, rather, it sets out to create a community of anchors, all with the help of some little blue boxes.
The physical form of Find Your Anchor is a small blue box packed with various materials designed to inspire, soothe and offer support – such as a 52+ Reasons to Live deck of cards, an infographic on depression, list of resources, a letter, posters, a bracelet, stickers, some other sweet nothings, and a whole lot of good vibes. These boxes are then planted in public places (the library, the Vegas strip, etc.) to be found by those in need; specifically those close to suicide in one way or another. Boxes can also be requested for someone personally struggling, or if you know someone struggling and want to help. They also encourage individuals to add their own inspiration and anchors to their box before passing it along to someone new as a way to organically grow the community. In the end, they just want to get a little more love into the world.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Find Your Anchor. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit FindYourAnchor.us.
TwosDay Virtual Run
*** SOLD OUT ***
Distances: 2.22 miles OR Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Mission 22
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $22 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: If there is ONE day you should celebrate with a virtual race this year, it is Tuesday, 2/22/22! Join the TwosDay virtual race and run, walk, bike, or swim 2.22 miles to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime calendar event, while supporting a charity dedicated to helping America’s veterans. Participants are encouraged to complete their virtual race on 2/22/22, but like all of our virtual races, you can participate whenever and wherever you want. All registrants will receive this epic 4″ slider medal that features a TwosDay-themed word cloud printed on TWO connected 2s.
Fun Fact: Virtual Strides’ founder will not be participating in this virtual race on 2/22/22, because he is marrying the love of his life that day. Congratulations, Mark & Meghan!
About the Charity: Mission 22 is a national community supporting active service members, Veterans, and their family members, through three areas of focus:
- –Support and Treatment Programs: for active service members, Veterans, and their family members, addressing Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, suicide risk and other challenges.
- -Social Impact: uniting civilians and the military community to raise awareness of issues active service members, veterans, and their family members face.
- -Memorials: remembering and honoring service members and Veterans through large scale installations and digital initiatives, while raising awareness for issues faced on home soil.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Mission 22. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit Mission22.com.
Snail’s Pace Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Environmental Defense Fund
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Help us support a charity dedicated to slowing environmental changes by joining the Snail’s Pace virtual race. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this adorable 4″ snail medal. Remember, a snail’s pace is still a pace, and no matter what your pace is, you are still lapping everyone on the couch!
Matching Shirts: Add a holographic Snail’s Pace shirt or a Snailed It shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Charcoal gray shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Environmental Defense Fund‘s mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. Guided by science and economics, they find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. What distinguishes Environmental Defense Fund is the combination of what they protect and how they protect it.
The EDF works to solve the most critical environmental problems facing the planet. This has drawn them to areas that span the biosphere: climate, oceans, ecosystems and health. Since these topics are intertwined, their solutions take a multidisciplinary approach. They work in concert with other organizations — as well as with business, government and communities — and avoid duplicating work already being done effectively by others.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Environmental Defense Fund. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit EDF.org.
Sheep Dog Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Sheep Dog virtual race and run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to support a charity that improves the lives of our nation’s veterans and first responders by helping them reengage in living an active, meaningful & productive life. All participants will receive this awesome 4″ die-cut medal of the SDIA logo. For the Sheep Dog, helping others is a way of life.
About the Charity: Founded in 2010, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is a national non-profit organization founded and headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas. SDIA exists to engage, assist and empower our nation’s “Sheep Dogs” (military veterans, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS personnel) to Get Off The Couch™ and reengage in living a meaningful and productive life.
These heroes have an innate desire to serve and their service gives purpose to their lives; however, after an injury or shift/tour of duty ends, that purpose is often lost. By gathering together Sheep Dogs who have suffered similar traumas & experiences, SDIA has found that the camaraderie and peer support they receive fosters healing and is critical to their overall well-being, which helps prevent suicides in our Veteran and First Responder communities.
Joining SDIA in opportunities for physical activities, camaraderie & healing (Outdoor Adventures), training to transform struggle into strength and posttraumatic growth (Warrior PATHH), and volunteer opportunities for continued service (Disaster Response), a Sheep Dogs’ innate desire to serve is again fulfilled. When Sheep Dogs #GetOffTheCouch together, their attitude and perspective are drastically improved, and many find healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit SheepDogIA.org.
Dalgona Challenge Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Liberty In North Korea
Regular Price: $30 for choice of shape; Get additional medal shapes for only $15 more
Club VS Member Price: $25 + $12 for additional medal shapes & Free Shipping
BONUS: Purchase all 4 shapes and receive an exclusive VS shape for FREE – That’s 5 medals for only $75 ($60 for Club VS members!)
About this Virtual Run: Have you watched Squid Game? Rated TV-MA, this South Korean series is NOT for children, but has quickly become Netflix’s most popular show of all time. The series revolves around a contest in which 456 cash-strapped players compete in a variety of children’s games with deadly penalties for the losers. This virtual race is a nod to one of the more interesting games featured in the show, the dalgona candy game. Dalgona is a South Korean honeycomb candy that emerged in the 1950s and was popular with children in the 70s and 80s. In the dalgona candy challenge, players use a needle to carefully carve the dalgona candy without breaking the delicate shape it contains.
All participants in the Dalgona Challenge virtual race will receive a 4″ medal containing the shape of their choice (triangle, square, star, or umbrella), along with a needle. Additional shapes (full medals containing different inserts) are available for purchase at a discounted price, and participants who purchase ALL 4 shapes will receive an exclusive BONUS shape featuring the Virtual Strides “VS” logo for free!
Note: No portion of these medals are edible, and the needle won’t actually carve the PVC insert. Want to make your own dalgona candy so you can take on the dalgona challenge for real? Try one of the following recipes, and good luck!
Preppy Kitchen | New York Times Cooking | Korean Bapsang
Matching Shirts: Add a Shapes Shirt shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). 100% cotton, turf-green shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL.
About the Charity: North Koreans live in the world’s most authoritarian country. With offices in both the United States and South Korea, Liberty In North Korea is an international non-government organization that helps North Korean refugees escape through a 3,000-mile secret rescue route, and empowers North Koreans who have reached freedom to be changemakers, advocates, and leaders.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Liberty In North Korea. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit LibertyInNorthKorea.org.
Top Run Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Air Charity Network
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Celebrate Maverick’s return by joining the Top Run virtual race. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this super(sonic) 5″ parody medal that features an F/A-18F Super Hornet. Do you feel the need – the need for speed???
P.S. Yes, we know the movie release has been delayed, but we schedule our events well in advance and have had this on our calendar for quite some time. Want to get psyched up for this virtual race now? Watch this trailer!
Matching Shirts: Add a Need For Speed shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). White shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Air Charity Network is a charitable organization that provides access for people in need who are seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations due to family, community, or national crisis. Air Charity Network serves all 50 states and its volunteer pilots utilize their own aircraft, fuel and time to provide free air transportation to medical facilities for citizens who are financially distressed or otherwise unable to travel on public transportation. Air Charity Network members also coordinate flights to fly organ transplant candidates, people involved in clinical trials, chemotherapy or other repetitive treatment, victims of abuse seeking relocation, families receiving help from Ronald McDonald Houses, Shriners Hospitals and many other charities, disabled or sick children to special summer camp programs, and for many other humanitarian reasons.
Combined, the Air Charity Network is the Nation’s largest unified Volunteer Pilot organization comprised of thousands of pilots who annually fly tens of thousands of passengers across the US.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Air Charity Network. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit AirCharityNetwork.org.
Never Forget Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Fund
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: September 11, 2001 is a day Americans will never forget. As we observe the 20th anniversary of this fateful day, we invite you to join us on a journey of remembrance by participating in the Never Forget virtual race. Run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this beautifully etched 4″ medal showing two New York City skylines: one with the Twin Towers standing tall, and the other with One World Trade Center in their place.
As a side note, if you ever have the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum, please do. It is an incredibly moving experience that all Americans should experience at least once.
Matching Shirts: Add a 9.11 Never Forget Icon shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Navy shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Honoring those who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks is at the heart of the charity’s mission. Located at the World Trade Center in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope. As a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit 911Memorial.org.
Prepare For Glory Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Melanoma Research Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: August of 2021 marks the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae, where against overwhelming odds, 300 Spartans and a small force of Greeks held off an invading force of more than 300,000 Persian soldiers for three days, in what has become the most infamous last stand in history (and the inspiration for the movie “300”). Join the Prepare for Glory virtual race and run, walk, step, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to earn this glorious 4″ Spartan helmet medal, with attached spear, shield, and sword charms.
Matching Shirts: Add a Prepare For Glory shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Black colored shirts with bronzed metallic decals are 100% pre-shrunk cotton, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit Melanoma.org.
We Have Liftoff Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Higher Orbits
Regular Price: $30
Club VS Member Price: $25 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: 3… 2… 1… We Have Liftoff! Register for this virtual race and then run, walk, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want to support a charity that uses spaceflight to promote STEM learning for high-school students. All participants will receive what may be the most unique race medal ever created, featuring a flipbook mounted between an astronaut and a “SpaceVS” rocket. Remove the crank from the middle rocket booster and attach it to the bottom of the medal; Then crank it to bring the medal to life, as you flip through a 30 photograph sequence from the very first SpaceX Falcon Heavy test flight, courtesy of photographer Michael Seeley.
Matching Shirts: Add a We Have Liftoff shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Blackberry colored shirts with holographic silver text are 50/50 cotton/poly shirts, available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Higher Orbits is a non-profit with the mission of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); along with leadership, teamwork, and communication through the use of spaceflight. Mankind’s journey into space serves as an ideal launchpad to excite students of all ages about STEM/STEAM and working to fulfill their dreams and ambitions while also building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Higher Orbits organization. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit HigherOrbits.org.
Best Furry Friends Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Freedom Service Dogs
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: It’s time time celebrate our BFFs by joining the Best Furry Friends virtual race! This adorable 4″ dog dish medal is full of soft kibble and includes two matching 1″ pawprint charms – one for you and another for your BFF. The charms are detachable, so you can leave them on your medal or add one to your dog’s collar and the other to a keychain or necklace. Additional charms are available for sale if you live in a multi-dog household and don’t want anyone to feel left out. You can run or walk or step or bike or swim (new!) whenever and wherever you want.
Matching Shirts: Add a Best Furry Friend shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Pink and Blue 50/50 cotton/poly shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: Freedom Service Dogs of America (FSD) is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that unleashes the potential of dogs by transforming them into custom-trained, life-changing assistance dogs for people in need. FSD clients include children, veterans and active-duty military, and other adults. These clients live with disabilities like autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy (CP), spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and more. FSD has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach and life-changing work. Since being founded in 1987, FSD has paired hundreds of client-dog teams at no cost to the clients. FSD provides a lifetime of support for its client-dog teams, including post-placement follow-up, ongoing training, annual recertification, and advocacy efforts.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Freedom Service Dogs of America. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit FreedomServiceDogs.org.
To The Rescue Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: First Responders Children’s Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Honoring the first responders who come to the rescue whenever called upon, we proudly present the To the Rescue virtual race! Run, walk, bike, or step wherever and whenever you want to help support a charity that provides financial support to children and families of first responders who have lost a parent in the line of duty. All participants will receive this 5″ ambulance medal, featuring spinning wheels and a siren that sounds when you press the button on the back of the medal!
Matching Shirts: Add a Wee Woo shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Red and white pre-shrunk cotton shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty and families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. The Foundation also supports educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the communities in which they live.
During the pandemic, First Responders Children’s Foundation is helping the families of first responders including nurses, medical personnel, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics who are on the front lines of dealing with COVID-19. For 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has provided college scholarships for the children of those injured or killed in the line of duty, and the Foundation continues to do that now more than ever.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the First Responders Children’s Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit 1stRCF.org.
I Run On Caffeine Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: It’s From the Sole
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Coffee lovers won’t want to miss this virtual race that celebrates the natural stimulant 90% of Americans consume daily: Caffeine! Join the I Run on Caffeine virtual race and run (or walk or step or bike) whenever and wherever you want to earn this 4″ parody “To Go” coffee cup medal that features scratch-and-sniff coffee beans and a real stir stick.
Matching Shirts: Add an I Run On Caffeine shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Coffee Shop Green and Coffee Bean Brown colors are available in adult sizes S-XXL in a 90/10 blend:
About the Charity: It’s From the Sole is a non-profit organization focused on collecting, refurbishing and giving away shoes to the homeless in New York City and other metropolitan areas. To date, It’s From the Sole has distributed over 24,000 pairs of sneakers to the homeless and less fortunate individuals in New York City, Philadelphia, Norristown, Washington, DC; San Antonio, Houston, Huntsville, Seattle, Barbados; Jamaica, Colombia, Guyana, Paris, London, Gueye, and more.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to It’s From the Sole. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit ItsFromTheSole.org.
A Shot Of Hope Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Crush COVID (CDC Foundation)
Regular Price: $30
Club VS Member Price: $25 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed lives and livelihoods. It’s time to unite together to CRUSH COVID. Nearly one year after opening registration for the most popular virtual race of all time, our Coronavirus Relief virtual race (medals and hand sanitizer bottles are still available!) that raised $85,000 to buy PPE for frontline health care workers, we are excited to announce the sequel: A Shot of Hope. Participants in this virtual race can run or walk or step or bike any distance whenever and wherever they want to support the CDC Foundation’s Crush COVID campaign.
All participants will receive this 4″ emergency box medal and bonus Virtual Strides highlighter syringe. The medal opens to reveal a vaccine syringe and features an attached hammer that could be used to break the glass on the front of the box – this is not recommended, of course. 🙂
Matching Shirts: Add a Let’s Do Shots shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Heather red and heather navy shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in a 50/50 blend:
About the Charity: The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s critical health protection work. This organization is a catalyst for unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC and philanthropies, private entities and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. Your support saves and improves lives—right now and in the future.
Thanks to donors, the CDC Foundation has launched more than 1,000 health protection programs and raised over $1 billion to support CDC’s work over the past two decades. To keep people healthy, safe and secure, they have managed hundreds of CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 140 countries.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the CDC Foundation’s Crush COVID campaign. For more information, please visit CDCFoundation.org or donate directly through the Crush COVID website.
Break The Silence Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join Virtual Strides in raising awareness of domestic violence by registering for the Break The Silence virtual race. Choose from one of our standard 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon Distances or challenge yourself with a custom goal that can be completed all at once or in segments over a longer period of time. You can run or walk (or step or bike) anytime and anywhere you want! All participants will receive this beautiful, fully-3D, 4″ metallic-purple medal made up of intertwined hearts and an infinity symbol.
“At any given moment, you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end.” ~Christine Mason Miller
Matching Shirts: Add a Break The Silence shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members) to further raise awareness of domestic violence. Lilac purple shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in a 50/50 blend:
About the Charity: Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) is a national nonprofit organization powerfully led by survivors-volunteers who help serve victims, survivors, and families affected by domestic violence. The BTSADV family provides critical, direct support to people in need in an effort to:
- -eliminate isolation and suicidal thoughts
- -reduce anxiety
- -build trust in healthy friendships
- -inspire passion
- -provide tools to manage PTSD symptoms
- -reduce depression symptoms
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to BTSADV. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit BreakTheSilenceDV.org.
Light The Way Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Florida Lighthouse Association
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark! Join the Light the Way virtual race and run or walk or step or bike (NEW!) your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to earn this gorgeous 6″ lighthouse medal that features a blinking LED beacon in its lantern room. Choose from one of our standard 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon Distances or challenge yourself with a custom goal that can you work toward over time.
About the Charity: Protecting, Preserving and Restoring Florida’s Lighthouses! The Florida Lighthouse Association is a nonprofit group of citizen activists dedicated to the preservation of the 29 remaining historic lighthouses that line Florida’s 1350-mile coastline. Once central to the economic growth and settlement of our nation, many of Florida’s lighthouses face uncertain futures.
The mission is to preserve, restore, protect, and defend Florida’s lighthouse towers, along with their material culture, buildings, artifacts and records to assure that the magic of Florida’s lighthouses and lighthouse keepers will be available for the enjoyment and understanding of future generations.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Florida Lighthouse Association. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit FloridaLighthouses.org.
Run Run As Fast As You Can Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: No Kid Hungry
Regular Price: $27
Club VS Member Price: $22 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Run Run As Fast As You Can – You Can’t Catch Me – I’m the Gingerbread Man! Celebrate the holiday season by joining the “Run, Run as Fast as You Can” virtual race. All participants will receive this humorous 5″ gingerbread man medal. His overflowing icing bucket features a scratch-n-sniff sticker that smells like cookies, and his red and green buttons aren’t M&Ms – They are V&Ss! With a bite taken out of his leg, our hero suggests following the RICE Method to relieve pain and swelling: Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation. A red ornament string is also included, in case you’d like to turn this medal into a Christmas tree ornament.
Matching Shirts: Add a matching Gingerbread Race Team shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in Gingerbread Brown, Holiday Red, or Christmas Green:
About the Charity: No Kid Hungry is a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. After 25 years of successfully investing in local nonprofits and helping find the best approaches to eradicating poverty and hunger, Share Our Strength launched No Kid Hungry in 2010.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the No Kid Hungry organization. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit NoKidHungry.org.
The Dragonfly Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: The Dragonfly Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Dragonfly virtual race and run or walk whenever and wherever you want to support a charity that helps families affected by pediatric cancer. All participants will receive a beautiful 6″ dragonfly suncatcher medal. The ribbon is removable and there are two suction cups attached to the back of the medal, in case you’d like to stick it to a window.
Matching Shirts: Add a Dragonfly Shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). “Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless” is emblazoned with a sparkly, silver confetti decal. Shirts are available in three colors and adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Dragonfly Foundation delivers the best emotional, relational, and practical support systems for families affected by pediatric cancer. At their core, what they offer is community, the feeling that you are not alone during this alien, isolating experience that strips even the closest and best-intentioned family and friends from your ranks. They live to provide understanding, support, resources and opportunities families will rely and reflect on for years to come.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the The Dragonfly Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit Dragonfly.org
Koala Krawl Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Australian Koala Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Save the koala! Join the Koala Krawl virtual race to support a charity dedicated to wild koala conservation in Australia. Run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to support the cause! All participants will receive this adorable 5″ medal, featuring a mama koala that can be moved up and down the tree and a detachable baby koala charm. You will also receive a BONUS baby koala charm that can be clipped onto a zipper or shoelace.
Matching Shirts: Add a “Koalafications” shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available four colors and adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Australian Koala Foundation is the principal non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. This charity’s main goals are to refine and update the Koala Habitat Atlas mapping of all wild Koala habitat and to get the Koala Protection Act enacted to ensure Koalas and their habitat are protected.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit SaveTheKoala.com.
Coronavirus Relief Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Direct Relief
Regular Price: $30
Club VS Member Price: $25 & Free Shipping
SHIPPING NOTE: Due to USPS Shipping Restrictions, international and APO/FPO/DPO (military) orders will be shipped with empty hand sanitizer bottles. USA orders will be shipped with full hand sanitizer bottles!
About this Virtual Run: We have been in business for five and a half years and have never received as many requests for a virtual race as we have for this one. Join the Coronavirus Relief virtual race and help us support a charity that is responding to the coronavirus pandemic by providing PPE to health workers, bolstering critical care capacity, and strengthening general medical support. You can run or walk anytime and anywhere you want to support the cause!
All participants will receive a 3D coronavirus medal, featuring a toilet paper patterned ribbon, an attached silicone keychain containing a 1 fluid ounce bottle of hand sanitizer*, a “Wash your hands, ya filthy animal” button you can attach to your medal ribbon or proudly wear whenever you leave home, and a forehead thermometer you can use to take your temperature.
*Due to USPS shipping restrictions, hand sanitizer bottles will be only be included with orders shipping to USA mailing addresses. International (and military) orders will receive empty hand sanitizer bottles in their keychains.
And yes, that really is a bottle of “Virtual Strides” hand sanitizer you see. We wanted to include this with the medal but had so much trouble finding any, we commissioned a factory to make our own! It’s the real deal too: 75% alcohol, well above the CDC’s guideline of 60% or higher. Because we we were forced to produce THOUSANDS of these little bottles in order to get our hands on ANY, we have decided to sell them as add-ons for participants in this race as well. Additional bottles can be purchased for $4 each (limit 5 per registration), including shipping.
P.S. We are not looking to get rich selling hand sanitizer. We just really wanted to include it (for free) with these medals and would like to try to sell some of the extra thousands of bottles we bought to recoup some of the expense we incurred to get these and to help get it into the hands of those of you who may be unable to find it elsewhere.
About the Charity: Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief is:
- -Providing assistance in the form of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health workers
- -Building an ICU medication model and mobilizing private resources to build a stockpile to assist with the anticipated spike in ICU patients
- -Boosting support to safety-net facilities to address existing chronic gaps that are likely to grow
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Direct Relief. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit DirectRelief.org.
Last Alarm Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join Virtual Strides in remembering America’s fallen firefighters while raising money for a charity that provides resources to assist their families in rebuilding their shattered lives. Register for a 5k, 10k, or half marathon distance and run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn this commemorative 4″ Last Alarm medal.
About the Charity: Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. The mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Weekend features special programs for families and co-workers along with moving public ceremonies.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit FireHero.org.
Virtual Slides Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Organization for Autism Research
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the the Virtual Slides virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon and run or walk whenever and wherever you want to support a charity that uses autism research to address the challenges of autism. All participants will receive a one-of-a-kind, fully functional, 4″ slide puzzle medal – How fast can you solve this classic game?
Matching Shirts: Add an “It’s A RUNderful day” shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available in orange and black adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR)’s mission is the apply research to the challenges of autism. This charity strives to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to those living with autism defines their goals and program objectives and shapes their budget.
In addition to funding research, OAR’s mission includes the requirements to:
- -Disseminate new and useful information to as many members of the autism community as possible, and
- -Direct all research and programs initiatives toward enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.
In simplest terms, applied autism research is “practical research that examines issues and challenges that children and adults with autism and their families face every day.”
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ResearchAutism.org.
Warrior Women Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: The Women’s Memorial
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the the Warrior Women virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon and run or walk whenever and wherever you want to support the women in your life who are warriors in all that they do. All participants will receive a 4″ 3D Warrior Woman medal featuring a movable sword arm AND a bonus charm bracelet that you can wear yourself or give to the Warrior Woman in your life.
“A strong woman loves, forgives, walks away, lets go, tries again, and perseveres… no matter what life throws at her.”
Matching Shirts: Add a “Warrior Woman” shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS Members). Shirts are available in 6 colors and adult sizes S-XXL:
About the Charity: The Women In Military Service For America Memorial (The Women’s Memorial), at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history. Their patriotism and bravery are a part of our nation’s heritage. Visitors to the Women’s Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military along with individual stories of registered servicewomen.
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that depends on donations to equip and maintain the Education Center, theater and exhibit areas, expand the permanent artifact collection, and continue to locate and register eligible women.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to The Women’s Memorial. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit WomensMemorial.org.
Honor Flight Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Honor Flight
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Honor Flight virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon to support a charity that provides Veterans with all expense paid trips to Washington D.C. so they can visit the memorials that honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends. All participants will receive this giant 6″ 3D molded airplane medal that features a spinning propeller, rubber tires, and a dangling “Honor Flight Network” banner.
About the Charity: Honor Flight is a charity dedicated to honoring our veterans by providing them with all expense paid trips to Washington D. C., so they can visit the memorials that symbolize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of American heroes. Honor Flight is dedicated to transporting as many U.S. military veterans as possible to visit the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought at absolutely no cost to the veterans.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Honor Flight Network. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit HonorFlight.org.
Run of the Pets Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Best Friends Animal Society
Regular Price: $28-$39
Club VS Member Price: $24-$34 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: The Run of the Dead has returned AGAIN, this time supporting our furry friends! Following the Run of the Dead (male skeleton), the ReRun of the Dead (female skeleton), and the Return of the Run of the Dead (boy & girl skeletons) – all still available – the Run of the Pets 5k/10k/Half Marathon offers your choice of a dog or cat sugar skull medal, or BOTH if you’d like to complete the extended Run of the Dead family! Like the previous medals in this series, these 3.5″ skeleton medals have oversized heads and feature colorful Day of the Dead themed artwork.
This event is in memory of Cooper, Virtual Strides’ very first shipping assistant, and an all around good boy. R.I.P., buddy – We miss you!
About the Charity: The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. They do this by helping end the killing in America’s animal shelters through building community programs and partnerships all across the nation. They believe that by working together we can Save Them All.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BestFriends.org.
Lend A Hand: The Bahamas Virtual Run
Medals and Bracelets Are Still Available!
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: One Bahamas Fund
Regular Price: $25
Club VS Member Price: $20
**EVERY DOLLAR WILL BE DONATED – AND MATCHED!**
About this Virtual Run: The Bahamas were left absolutely devastated after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the islands as a Category 5 storm for two days, leaving more than 75,000 people across Great Abaco and Grand Bahama homeless and in need of food and water. In the worst-hit parts of the country, up to 90% of buildings were destroyed. There is currently no official estimate of how many people were killed, but unofficial estimates say thousands of people are missing or dead. With broken hearts here at Virtual Strides (based in Melbourne, FL, approximately 150 miles NW of the Bahamas), we wanted to do something to help.
Similar to last year’s Lend a Hand: California Wildfire Relief, we will once again be donating every single dollar raised from this event, this time to Bahamas Hurricane Relief. Yes, that’s right – You pay $25 to register, and we donate all $25 to the cause. But that’s not all! We’ve selected a charity that is matching donations dollar for dollar, meaning your $25 participation in this event will actually raise $50 to help restore lives in the Bahamas!
Participants in this global virtual race will receive a 3″ Lend a Hand finisher medal, a “❤ The Bahamas ❤” silicone bracelet, a digital race bib, and a huge sense of accomplishment from knowing they are making a difference for people in need. You can run or walk anytime and anywhere you want to support the cause.
Please note: This is the same medal design as the one used for our two previous Lend a Hand events, but it will have different ribbon colors and will be accompanied by a different silicone bracelet. This event is much more about helping those in desperate need than it is about the bling, but we wanted to make sure it was clear that the medal itself is the same.
PLEASE SHARE! Because we are covering all expenses related to this event out of pocket, we cannot afford to advertise it heavily. Even if you are unable to participate, please share this event with your friends.
About the Charity: 100% of the GROSS proceeds* from this virtual race will be donated to the One Bahamas Fund, where every donation is further being MATCHED dollar for dollar to help Bahamians impacted by Hurricane Dorian!
For more information about the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund or to make an additional, direct contribution, please visit the OneBahamasFund.org.
A COUPLE OF THANK YOUS: We would like to thank our partners who helped make this event possible…
- -Thank you to Stride Awards for sponsoring the medals
- -Thank you to Plaid Frog for the digital bib design
*Virtual Strides will donate $25 to the One Bahamas Fund for every registration made in this event through 10/14/19 up to a maximum of $50,000 (Registration will be shut down at that time). Because we are donating all of the proceeds from this event, we are unable to include free USA shipping like we do for everything else on our website. Domestic shipping charges are $5 for the first registration and $2 for each additional registration.
One Small Step Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: The Astronauts Memorial Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the One Small Step virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing on July 20, 1969, while remembering the astronauts who have given their lives for our nation’s space program. Run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn this iconic 4″ footprint-on-the-moon medal featuring a 3D rendering of the lunar lander, an astronaut, and the American flag on the reverse side. The attached ribbon includes the inspirational words of Neil Armstrong: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”
About the Charity: In the wake of the Challenger accident in 1986, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) was founded. The AMF honors the past and inspires the future, memorializing those astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program by sponsoring the national Space Mirror Memorial, and by implementing innovative educational technology programs.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation captures the technology developed in the United States’ space program and applies it to the field of education. They partner with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide technology training to educators throughout the nation with a particular emphasis on space-related technology. In addition, at The Center for Space Education they offer space-related educational opportunities for individuals, and, in doing so, improve the quality of the workforce in the space industry.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit amfcse.org.
Glorious Gecko Virtual Run
*** SOLD OUT ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Defenders of Wildlife
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Glorious Gecko virtual race to support an organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. Register for a 5k, 10k, or half marathon distance and then run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn this 5″, googly-eyed, iridescent gecko medal! The unique plating on this 3D medal makes it change colors as you look at it from different angles, so it may not look exactly like the one pictured here. The attached ribbon features a beautiful quote from Ghandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
About the Charity: Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is a major national conservation organization focused solely on wildlife and habitat conservation and the safeguarding of biodiversity. They believe in the inherent value of wildlife and the natural world, and this singular focus defines the organization’s important niche in the environmental and conservation community and serves as the anchor for their organizational values. Defenders works on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect and restore imperiled wildlife across North America and around the world.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Defenders of Wildlife. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Defenders.org.
End Of Watch Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Concerns of Police Survivors
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Each year, between 140 and 160 law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty, and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. Join Virtual Strides in remembering all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, while raising money for a charity that provides resources to help those left behind rebuild their shattered lives. Register for a 5k, 10k, or half marathon distance and run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn this 4″ commemorative End of Watch medal.
About the Charity: Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) was organized in 1984 with 110 individual members. Today, C.O.P.S. membership is over 48,000 survivors., including spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty. C.O.P.S. is governed by a national board of law enforcement survivors. C.O.P.S. has over 50 Chapters nationwide that work with survivors at the grass-roots level.
C.O.P.S. knows that a survivor’s level of distress is directly affected by the agency’s response to the tragedy. C.O.P.S., therefore, offers training and assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide on how to respond to the tragic loss of a member of the law enforcement profession. C.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by grants and donations.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Concerns of Police Survivors. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ConcernsOfPoliceSurvivors.org.
The Dragon Within Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: There are nearly 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease today and by 2050, that number is projected to rise to over 14 million. Unleash your inner dragon and support the Alzheimer’s Foundation by participating the The Dragon Within virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. All participants will receive this incredible felt-lined treasure box medal – our heaviest ever! – containing three 3D dragon eggs. This medal is the perfect compliment to our Eyes of the Dragon and Bend the Knee medals (limited quantities of both remain).
About the Charity: The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit alzfdn.org.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America logo is a registered trademark of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Inc. and is used with permission. The use does not represent an endorsement by AFA.
Return of the Run of the Dead Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Regular Price: $29-$39
Club VS Member Price: $24-$34 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: The Run of the Dead has RETURNED! Following 2016’s Run of the Dead (male skeleton) and 2017’s ReRun of the Dead (female skeleton), 2018’s Return of the Run of the Dead 5k/10k/Half Marathon features your choice of a boy or girl sugar skull medal, or BOTH if you’d like to complete the family! Like past years’ medals, the skeleton bodies dangle below their oversized heads, and the girl medal has two dangling earrings as well. These 4″ medals are slightly smaller than the ones from past years, and the whole family looks amazing together.
Run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn these colorful Day of the Dead themed medals while supporting a charity that serves nearly 4 million kids and teens annually, providing safe, affordable places for children ranging in age from 6 to 18.
About the Charity: 
Boys and Girls Clubs of America provides a safe place for kids and teens during critical out-of-school time. This charity offers life changing programs and services to youth across the nation and on U.S. military installations worldwide. They seek to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
When you give to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you create opportunities for young people who might be heading to their Club for a game of basketball, a hot meal or a safe place. But, with your help, they receive so much more than that — academic support, leadership opportunities, workforce and college preparation, healthful skills and lifelong mentors.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Boys and Girls Clubs of America. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BGCA.org.
Unicorn of the Sea Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Be so awesome that people think you are a myth! Join the Unicorn of the Sea virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for a charity that funds the protection and conservation of whales and dolphins. All participants will receive this adorable 5.5″ narwhal medal, complete with a googly eye and a glow-in-the-dark tusk. Run or walk anytime and anywhere you want to support the cause – you’ll have a “whale” of a time!
About the Charity: Founded in 1985, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is a global organization which has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans. The WDC is guided by a simple principle – whales play a critical role in the health of our marine and global ecosystems. WDC’s mission is protecting whales and dolphins, to ensure they survive and thrive as key contributors to our shared planet. Projects include putting a stop to whaling, reducing the number of whales and dolphins in captivity, and increasing the number of protected areas for these magnificent creatures.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Whales.org.
Bend the Knee Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Arthritis National Research Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Join the Bend the Knee virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for a charity that funds arthritis research in order to understand and prevent this all too common disease. All participants will receive a heavy 4.5″ Iron Throne medal, complete with a 3.5″ sword charm that fits into a sheath behind the throne (Dragon glass not included). Run or walk anytime and anywhere you want to support the cause and earn the coolest medal in all of the kingdoms!
About the Charity: The Arthritis National Research Foundation’s mission is to provide initial research funding to brilliant, investigative scientists with new ideas to cure arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Since 1970, the Arthritis National Research Foundation has funded arthritis research to understand the causes, prevention and development of new treatments for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, juvenile arthritis and other related autoimmune diseases.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Arthritis National Research Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CureArthritis.org.
Time to Run Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: VolunteerMatch
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: New Year, New You – Make 2018 your time to run (or walk, of course). Make a resolution to be more active in 2018, and if you are able, please consider spending some of your time volunteering too. The Time to Run virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon benefits an organization dedicated to matching people who want to volunteer their time with the charities that desperately need their help. Run or walk anytime and anywhere you want to earn this huge 4″ clock medal. The hands of the clock move and can be set to any time of day… maybe set it to the time you plan to exercise as a daily reminder to keep moving!
About the Charity: VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference by making it easy for good people and good causes to connect. Since its launch in 1998, they’ve facilitated over 13 million nonprofit-volunteer connections, and have helped more than 113,000 organizations better leverage volunteers to create real community impact.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to VolunteerMatch. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit VolunteerMatch.org.
Eagle Pride Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: USA Cares
Regular Price: $28
Club VS Member Price: $23 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Participate in the Eagle Pride virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon to help raise money and spread awareness for a charity that helps bear the burdens of service by providing military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need.
Run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to earn this majestic 4″ medal, featuring a 3D molded bald eagle carrying a star-spangled fabric shield.
About the Charity: USA Cares provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to USA Cares. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit USACares.org.
ReRun of the Dead
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: The Bone Marrow Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: The ReRun of the Dead virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon is the sequel to our most popular virtual race ever, last year’s Run of the Dead. By participating in this virtual race, you will be helping raise money and spreading awareness for a charity dedicated to helping patients needing bone marrow, stem cell, or cord blood transplants get the support they need. No transplant patient should ever feel alone.
Run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to earn this colorful, glittery, 5″ Day of the Dead-themed medal, featuring a female runner’s skeleton body and earrings dangling below her skull.
About the Charity: Founded in 1992, The Bone Marrow Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bone marrow, stem cell and cord blood transplant patients and their families by providing vital financial assistance, comprehensive resources, educational information, physician referrals, and emotional support programs.
Transplants treat over 70 life-threatening illnesses including cancers, genetic disorders, and other diseases. The Bone Marrow Foundation is the only organization of its kind that does not limit assistance to a specific disease, type of transplant, or age range. All of the Foundation’s programs and services are offered to patients and their families free of charge.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to The Bone Marrow Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit bonemarrow.org.
Quest for the Lost Scroll Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Ocean Conservancy
Regular Price: $27
Club VS Member Price: $22 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: The Quest Returns! Two years after the Quest for the Golden Pearl, we are proud to present the Quest for the Lost Scroll! Join the quest by running or walking a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon whenever and wherever you want. All registrants will receive a 6″ tall message-in-a-bottle medal containing a tied paper scroll with an inspirational message on the inside.
About the Charity: Our ocean faces many threats like the onslaught of ocean trash, overfishing and ocean acidification. Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges by creating science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife communities that depends on it.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Ocean Conservancy. For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit OceanConservancy.org.
The Striding Dead
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Regular Price: $25
Club VS Member Price: $20 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Help make strides for mental illness research by participating in the Striding Dead virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. Run or walk whenever and wherever you want to support the cause and earn this amazing 4″ glow-in-the-dark zombie medal. This undead runner’s arm dangles from his shoulder, and his 3D brain is actually squishy. You are going to LOVE this medal!
About the Charity: The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. Since 1987, this organization has awarded more than $360 million to fund more than 5,000 grants to more than 4,000 scientists around the world. 100% of all donor contributions for research are invested in NARSAD Grants leading to discoveries in understanding causes and improving treatments of disorders in children and adults, such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, and bipolar, attention-deficit hyperactivity, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BBRFoundation.org.
Shamrock Shaker Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Make-A-Wish
Regular Price: $25
Club VS Member Price: $20 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Help us raise enough money for Make-A-Wish to grant a couple of wishes for kids diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions by participating in the Shamrock Shaker virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. You can run or walk whenever and wherever you want to support the cause! All participants will receive a custom digital race bib and the most unique medal we have ever made, this 4″ clover-shaped maze game. There is a tiny ball enclosed inside the medal, and there are two different ways to solve the maze. Reaching the Pot of Gold at the center of the medal is harder than it looks!
About the Charity: On average, Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 35 minutes. Wishes are more than just nice thing. A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with life-threatening medical condition. Wishes impact everyone involved – wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals and communities. For wish kids, just the act of making their wish come true can give them the courage to comply with their medical treatments. Parents might finally feel like they can be optimistic. And still others might realize all they have to offer the world through volunteer work or philanthropy. Whatever the odds, whatever the obstacles… wishes find a way to make the world better.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Make-A-Wish. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Wish.org.
Heart of Gold Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Joyful Heart Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States, and more than five children die every day as a result of child abuse and neglect. Help spread awareness and raise money for a charity whose vision is a world free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse by participating in the Heart of Gold virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. Run or walk whenever and wherever you want to earn what is without a doubt, the heaviest and most complex virtual race medal we have ever produced.
All registrants will receive a custom digital race bib and a 4″ heart-shaped box of chocolates medal. This medal opens to reveal 11 removable chocolate charms (charms are not edible), including one in the shape of a heart.
About the Charity: The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded by Mariska Hargitay in 2004, with the intention of helping sexual assault survivors heal and reclaim a sense of joy in their lives. The vision of the Joyful Heart Foundation is a world free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation’s mission is to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever. The mission is carried out through healing, education and advocacy. The foundation has raised over $32 million to support its programs and has directly served more than 18,500 individuals.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Joyful Heart Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit JoyfulHeartFoundation.org.
Operation Enduring Warrior Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Operation Enduring Warrior
Regular Price: $28
Club VS Member Price: $23 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: In honor of Veterans Day, support our nation’s wounded veterans by participating in the Operation Enduring Warrior virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. Run or walk your selected distance whenever and wherever you want to spread awareness and support the cause. All participants will receive a digital race bib and a 4″ bottle opener medal (the ribbon is detachable) in the shape of the charity’s logo, featuring a 3D-molded gas mask in honor of their Masked Athlete Team.
About the Charity: Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) is a veteran-founded charity whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation’s wounded veterans through physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. OEW’s programs help participants overcome adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. This ultimately enables the lives of wounded veterans to go in directions they may have once thought were impossible. OEW is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Donations go directly towards operational support of the organization and its various programs such as Skydive Licenses, SCUBA Certifications, Athletic events (obstacle course and road/trail races, handcycle races, etc.), Public Speaking, Adventure Trips, Veteran Outreach and more. OEW’s “Warrior Christmas” event is coming up, which facilitates a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to spread encouragement and hand-deliver brimming Christmas stockings to recovering wounded veterans.
About the Mask: OEW’s Masked Athlete Team are specially trained volunteers who support our wounded veterans with the physical and mental adversity of extreme athletic challenges. The MAT spends countless hours preparing and researching ways to successfully assist our wounded veterans in negotiating extreme athletic challenges. Past events have included obstacle course races, hand-cycling, 5k and 10k races, and half/full Marathons.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Operation Enduring Warrior. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit EnduringWarrior.org.
Run of the Dead Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Be the Match
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists and is in the hands of ordinary people. Help spread awareness and raise money for a charity dedicated to helping every patient facing life-threatening blood cancer get the life-saving transplant they need by participating in the Run of the Dead virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon.
Run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to earn an awesome medal and support the cause. All registrants will receive a custom digital race bib and a 5″ Day of the Dead themed running skeleton medal. The skeleton’s body dangles below the colorful skull, like a reverse bobble-head.
About the Charity: Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to helping every patient get the life-saving transplant they need. As trusted leaders in advancing treatments for those facing life-threatening blood cancers, Be the Match provides the ground-breaking research, innovative technologies, patient support and education that save lives. Over the past 25 years, Be The Match has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. The steps you take and dollars you help us raise will help patients afford transplant, find a matching marrow donor and have a successful transplant outcome.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Be the Match. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BeTheMatch.org.
Shark Tooth Virtual Run
*** SOLD OUT ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: WildAid
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: An estimated 100 million sharks are killed every year with fins from up to 73 million used for shark fin soup, primarily to supply the market in Mainland China. Some shark populations have declined by up to 98% in the last 15 years and nearly one third of pelagic sharks species are considered threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Help spread awareness and raise money for a charity committed to stopping an irreversible decline of shark populations by participating in the Shark Tooth virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon. All registrants will receive a custom digital race bib and a 4″ shark medal with a hanging replica shark tooth charm. Run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want to earn this medal.
About the Charity: Founded in 2007, Shark Savers is now a program of WildAid, a charity whose mission is to end illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products by persuading consumers and strengthening enforcement. WildAid’s strategy for achieving this goal is to reduce demand for shark fin, elephant ivory and rhino horn using the slogan: “When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too.”
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to WildAid. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit WildAid.org.
Feet on the Street Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Back on My Feet
Regular Price: $27
Club VS Member Price: $22 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: June 1st is National Running Day. Celebrate all month long by participating in the Feet on the Street virtual 5k/10k/Half Marathon and help raise money for a charity that combats homelessness through the power of running. All registrants will receive a custom digital race bib and an awesome 4″ running shoes medal. Not only do the letters and laces GLOW IN THE DARK, but the bottom of the shoe is made out of PVC, so it feels like a real running shoe sole!
This is a virtual run so you can run or walk your chosen distance whenever and wherever you want. Medals will be shipped after you upload your results or at the end of the virtual race period, whichever comes first.
About the Charity: Back on My Feet, a national organization operating in 11 major cities coast to coast, combats homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. The organization’s unique running-based model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead and move toward jobs, homes and new lives.
Since launching in 2007, Back on My Feet has served more than 5,500 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and engaged more than 100,000 volunteers and supporters. By combating homelessness through their innovative program, Back on My Feet proves that there is hope, that individuals can achieve things they never thought possible, and that there are people who will support them along the way.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Back On My Feet. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BackOnMyFeet.org.
One Tough Mother Runner Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: Family Lives On Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: In honor of Mother’s Day, this virtual run is dedicated to mothers everywhere. Whether you are a tough mother runner yourself or you want to run or walk in honor of one, all participants will receive a custom electronic race bib and this two sided ‘Rosie the Riveter’ wine stopper medal. Run or walk your 5k, 10k or half marathon whenever and wherever you want!
As always, medals will be shipped after you upload your results or at the end of the virtual race period, whichever comes first. Our race periods usually match calendar months, but we have extended this race period into May in order to include Mother’s Day.
About the Charity: There are more than two million children and teens in the United States grieving the deaths of their moms or dads. 1 in 20 children experience the death of a parent before the age of 16 – that’s one in every classroom, and two on every school bus. Family Lives On provides ongoing support tools to these children, who are at much greater risk for psychological and behavioral problems than their non-bereaved peers. The Foundation’s Tradition Program encourages the healthy emotional development of parentally-bereaved children and teens by providing annual opportunities for intentional remembering, creating a safe haven for grief, communication and celebration.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Family Lives On Foundation. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit FamilyLivesOn.org.
Seize the Day Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
To Benefit: CURE
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Seize the day by running or walking your choice of either a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon distance whenever and wherever you want! All registrants will receive a personalized electronic race bib and beautiful hot air balloon medal. The medal is partially translucent and more than 5″ tall!
The purple glitter letters on this medal are in honor of Purple Day, which is on March 26th annually. Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Complete this virtual run anywhere and anytime you want, but be sure to wear purple on March 26th! Medals will be shipped after you upload your results or at the end of the virtual race period, whichever comes first.
About the Charity: Tireless in its efforts, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) won’t stop until a CURE is found for epilepsy. CURE is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Unwilling to sit back, they joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure.
Since its inception in 1998, CURE has been at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising more than $34 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure for epilepsy. CURE funds grants for young and established investigators and has awarded more than 190 cutting-edge projects in 15 countries around the world to date. A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to CURE. For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CUREepilepsy.org.
Want More?
Be sure to check out our Previous Virtual Runs – Even though the original dates for these virtual races have passed, if we still have medals available, you can still register and help the causes!
