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.
Run To Vote Virtual Run
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: When We All Vote
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Every election is decided by those who show up to vote, so join the Run to Vote virtual race and inspire your fellow Americans to participate in our democracy by supporting a charity focused on increasing participation in our nation’s elections. You can run, walk, bike, swim, or step your way to the ballot box! All participants will receive this 3.5″ googly-eyed “Bill” medal.
Add A Shirt: Add a matching My Vote Matters shirt to your Run to Vote virtual run registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton in white and are available in adult unisex sizes S-XXL.
About the Charity: When We All Vote is a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every elec
tion by helping to close the race and age gap. Created by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate for today and generations to come. We empower our supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to When We All Vote. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit WhenWeAllVote.org.
May The Course Be With You Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Changing Course Foundation
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: ‘Stay on Target’ while chasing your fitness goals this May (and beyond) by joining the May The Course Be With You virtual race. All participants will receive this out-of-this-world 3.5″ hinged parody medal. You can run, walk, step, bike, or swim your way to the finish line whenever and wherever you want.
About the Charity: Changing Course Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization that has has special programs designed to help veterans and others suffering the debilitating effects of Post Traumatic Stress, offering them the opportunity to retrain their brains. They also provide a Domestic Violence Support Group, Domestic Violence Inventory Assessments, and a Batterers Intervention Program.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to the Changing Course Foundation. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit ChangingCourseFoundation.net.
Miles For Mom Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: The Life Of A Single Mom
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
Register Now!
About this Virtual Run: Celebrate motherhood by joining the Miles for Mom virtual race to benefit a charity focused on improving the lives of single mothers. Whether you run, walk, step, bike, or swim in honor/memory of your mother, the mother of your children, or your own motherhood, all participants will receive this vintage “Mom tattoo” medal. The medal is double sided and can be used as a fully-functional wine bottle stopper. As a bonus, all participants will receive a pair of matching temporary tattoos too!
Add A Shirt: Add a hilarious “Because I Said So” shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Unisex shirts are available in adult sizes S-XXL in Corn Silk Yellow, Mint Green, and Coral Pink. Gildan brand shirts run true to size (See Size Chart). Shirts are 100% preshrunk cotton.
About the Charity: The mission of The Life of a Single Mom is to improve the lives of single mothers by providing support groups and education in three core areas: Parenting, Finances, and Health & Wellness. They do this through launching single mom groups in churches, educating single moms through Single Mom University®, and creating community.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to The Life of a Single Mom. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit TheLifeOfASingleMom.com.
Totality Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Everybody Solar
Regular Price: $34
Club VS Member Price: $29 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: More than 30 million people live within the roughly 100-mile-wide path of totality of the solar eclipse coming on April 8th. It will be more than two decades until another total solar eclipse will be visible from North America, so you do not want to miss experiencing the awe of this cosmic event! Join the Totality Virtual Race and seize this unique opportunity to experience the awe of the solar eclipse while supporting a charity dedicated to providing clean solar energy to other nonprofits, enhancing their impact and sustainability.
All participants will receive totality awesome swag: A stunning 3.5″ eclipse finishers medal, a stylish 3/4” eclipse necklace on an 18″ chain, and essential eclipse viewing glasses. As always, you can run, walk, bike, or swim whenever and wherever you want. Participation is NOT limited to April 8 – the sky’s the limit!
Additional Swag: Add additional Solar Eclipse Necklaces and Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses to your order for just $10 and $5 respectively ($8 and $4 for Club VS members).
About the Charity: Everybody Solar is on a mission to make a positive impact on our communities by providing the gift of clean energy to nonprofits serving the most vulnerable populations. Their goal is to help these organizations thrive by significantly reducing their electricity costs through solar installations. This way, they can redirect funds directly into their missions and create a bigger, lasting effect on their causes.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Everybody Solar. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit EverybodySolar.org.
Leap Day Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Leapfrog Group
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: If there’s one day you should commemorate with a virtual race this year, make it February 29th – Leap Day! Run, walk, swim, bike, or LEAP your way to the virtual finish line whenever and wherever you want, while supporting a charity dedicated to improving healthcare in the United States. All participants will receive this ‘toadally’ awesome 4″ Leap Day medal, featuring three frogs playing leap frog in front of a swinging February 29 calendar page. Don’t miss this quadrennial opportunity to make this Leap Day count!
About the Charity: For over 20 years, The Leapfrog Group has collected, analyzed, and published data on safety and quality in order to push the health care industry forward. Leapfrog’s bold transparency has promoted high-value care and informed health care decisions — and helped trigger giant leaps forward in the safety, quality, and affordability of U.S. health care. As they honor our past, they look forward to the next two decades of encouraging better choices, fostering better care and saving lives.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to The Leap Frog Group. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit LeapfrogGroup.org.
Run Swift Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: GLAAD
Regular Price: $29-$42
Club VS Member Price: $24-$37 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Run Swift into the new year by joining Virtual Strides’ Run Swift virtual race to support a charity focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. You can run, walk, swim, bike, or step your way to your virtual finish line whenever and wherever you want. All participants will receive their choice of 4″ TAYLOR 2024 medals: Traditional Blue, Sparkly Pink, or BOTH for a lucky $13 more! Both versions feature ten sparkly gemstones, and the pink is glitter. Let’s Make America Sparkle Again!
Add A Shirt: Add a hilarious matching shirt to your Run Swift virtual race registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Go Taylor’s Boyfriend shirts are Heather Red and Go Taylor’s Boyfriend’s Brother shirts are Antique Green. Both come in adult unisex sizes S-XXL.
About the Charity: Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to GLAAD. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit GLAAD.org.
World Peace Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Seeds of Peace
Regular Price: $29
Club VS Member Price: $24 & Free Shipping
About this Virtual Run: Welcome to the World Peace virtual race, where participants can run, walk, step, bike, or swim to support a charity dedicated to the pursuit of peaceful change in communities divided by conflict around the world. All participants will receive this colorful 3.5″ peace sign medal plus a matching 2″ rubber magnet, perfect for displaying on a refrigerator or a vehicle.
Add A Shirt: Help spread the message of World Peace by adding an Imagine shirt or a Teach Peace shirt to your registration for an additional $24 ($19 for Club VS members). Imagine shirts are yellow, and Teach Peace shirts are available in 5 colors. Both come in adult unisex sizes S-XXL.
About the Charity: Seeds of Peace has over two decades of experience organizing and implementing dialogue and leadership development programs for youth and educators in communities in conflict across the globe. In the face of devastating violence in Israel and Palestine, their alumni are leading search and rescue missions, organizing aid campaigns, providing mental health support, advocating for equality, and assisting with diplomatic efforts. They are mobilizing for the return of hostages to Israel and calling for the protection of civilian life in Gaza. They are bringing their voices to international media. This is what their alumni leaders do during times of darkness.
A portion of the proceeds from this virtual race (at least $5 from each registration) will be donated to Seeds of Peace. For more information or to make a direct contribution, please visit SeedOfPeace.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.
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.
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.
Sheep Dog Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
Regular Price: $24
Club VS Member Price: $19 & 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: $25 for choice of shape; Get additional medal shapes for only $15 more
Club VS Member Price: $20 + $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.
We Have Liftoff Virtual Run
*** Medals Are Still Available! ***
Distances: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Custom Challenge
To Benefit: Higher Orbits
Regular Price: $25
Club VS Member Price: $20 & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: $23
Club VS Member Price: $18 & 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.
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!
