What is a Virtual Marathon?
Virtual Marathons have exploded in popularity in 2020 and we’re sure there are more than a few people who don’t know exactly what a virtual marathon actually is, so we’re here to break it down for you and explain why you need to part of our first virtual event this December.
What is a virtual marathon?
A virtual marathon, to put it simply, is a marathon run all over the world simultaneously by thousands of runners and tracked on an app on your phone. Your results are uploaded as you run and you will be able to see how you compare to other runners on the route in real time.
Where can you compete?
Everywhere! You don’t need to travel to Vic Falls this year to be a part of the fun. Run in your own neighbourhood and enjoy the excitement of a marathon through your phone. As you run the route check your phone for images and sounds from the actual Vic Falls route, including the iconic bridge and The Big Tree. It will feel like you’re running the route, all that’s missing is the occasional buffalo en route.
What do you need?
All you need is a smartphone, data (around 100mb for the entire run) and some planning! Download the tracking app, plan a route with your friends around your neighbourhood and you’re set. Simply start your run on the 13th of December and your results will be added to our database of runners around the world as they all compete to be the winner of our first virtual event. You can even share your results on social media so that your friends can see how well you’ve done!
How do we ensure nobody cheats?
The state-of-the-art app we use, SportSplits, uses the GPS and gyroscopic technology in your phone to ensure every runner is being tracked accurately. So if someone were to jump on a bike or hitch a ride, the app would be notified immediately and the results queried. All the results are checked in real time so there’s simply no way to trick the app.
What do you get for competing?
If the runner’s high wasn’t enough, you’ll also be entered into a draw for some fantastic prizes including a $10 000 safari for two. Every entry to any of our 4 distances (42km, 21km, 10km relay and 7.5km fun run) will be entered into a lucky draw to win an 8 night safari. For the most generous fundraisers and athlete supporter there are two more great prizes. Runners of the 7.5km fun run will also have a chance of winning a 2 night stay for 4 at Lokuthula Lodge. You can find out more about our huge range of prizes here.
Our fantastic sponsors have also organized a wonderful range of discounts to every one of our runners for the 2021 event, so you can enjoy Victoria Falls even more on the 4th of July 2021.