New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Runners learn to adjust to virtual races
Alan Macdougall feels the same before every race. It doesn’t matter if he’s running 3.1 miles or 26.2, the 54-yearold Branford resident is always nervous before the gun goes off.
“It’s a complicated thing,” he says. “You’re there with a lot of people, you want to do well, and no matter how much you tell yourself it doesn’t really matter how you do, you’re always thinking about what are other people going to think?”
His last 5k was no different. And nobody was around to judge him.
With road races across Connecticut being postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus, some runners are turning to a modern phenomenon to keep their competitive juices flowing — virtual racing.
In virtual racing, runners compete on their own time and at their own location, whether it’s a neighborhood/ city street or treadmill. Once the required distance is reached, they simply log in and record their time. Generally, there are no prizes.
In a typical year, Macdougall competes in about 20 races ranging from 5ks to half marathons, marathons and Ironman triathlons. For him and other participants, the virtual runs are a convenient way to train, not to mention raise money for a worthwhile cause.
“It’s not the same as running a race with hundreds and thousands of other people, but it still gives you a goal,” he said.
Last month’s Race Against Hunger 5k Run and Walk, organized by John Bysiewicz of JB Sports, had over 800 participants and collected more than $100,000 for Connecticut Food Bank.
Bysiewicz, who coordinates around 25 events a year throughout Connecticut, is putting together another virtual race that will benefit Race-4 CT and will run through the end of this month. Participants are required to pay a $20 entry fee and will receive a protective mask to wear, if they choose. They’ll be encouraged to adhere to social distancing guidelines, and avoid running or walking closer than six feet from anyone.
“It’s a way that people can participate in events while they’re not allowed to, and they raise money for good causes,” Bysiewicz said. “It gives you something to look forward to.
“Some people are competitive, and they can share their times. Other folks just want to be part of something.”
Bysiewicz still doesn’t know when traditional road races will be allowed to resume, but is holding out hope that it’ll be before the summer is over. As it is, he’s already had to reschedule five events since his most recent in-person race on March 1. The Fairfield Half Marathon was moved from June 7 to Sept. 20. Conversations are still to be had about the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race — scheduled for Labor Day — as well. The Branford Father’s Day Road Race has already been changed to a virtual event.
Even when they do return, the race day experience won’t be the same. Expect extra health and safety precautions to be introduced at events like the Fairfield Half Marathon, including temperature checks at the start line, masks passed out, and a rolling start to reduce close contact.
“We’re going to (encourage) social distancing,” Bysiewicz explained. “It’ll be something different.”