March 2021 Virtual Races

One year ago, life around the world came to a screeching halt. Businesses, schools and everything in between shut down in an attempt to flatten the Coronavirus curve. Little did we know, it would take much longer.

As we’ve adjusted to the new normal living through a pandemic, we tragically have lost 500,000 lives since March 2020. Although vaccinations have rolled out around the country, only 15% have been vaccinated in the U.S.

While we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel, we still have a long road ahead of us. Therefore everyone must still follow the safety guidelines including washing hands, wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding large gatherings.

Nearing the end of this pandemic, the current mood feels like the scene from Wizard of Oz where Glinda encourages the Munchkins to come out from hiding. “Come out! Come Out wherever you are…”

Of course, large gatherings are still not advisable, but small gatherings outdoors seem less scary as long as everyone follows the same safety precautions. For me, I still have not returned to my gym and continue to workout at home, however, I definitely have been trying to find some sense of a pre-Covid life. In fact, to honor Black History Month, my friend and I took a socially distanced Black History running tour of Downtown Tampa led by Laura of Go Running Tours.

On this four mile tour, we learned so much, such as how Central Ave of Tampa was once a prominent Black community and its history has all been memorialized at the Perry Harvey Park.

Go Running Tours have tours all around the world and it’s such a fantastic way to discover a new city or discover something new about your city. Visit my Instagram post to see more photos and learn more about our tour of Tampa.

So while small gatherings seem less risky, large gatherings are still not happening, which include road races. In fact, to many disappointed fans, the Gasparilla Distance Classic – Tampa’s most popular race – announced last week that its race will be completely virtual this year and runners have until May 9 to complete any of the distances.

Since road races are still not happening, I have compiled another list of virtual races for March 2021. Living in lockdown for a year, I find these lists therapeutic and necessary as they help me focus on a virtual running goal in the absence of in-person races.

See my first list of virtual races from April 2020 and learn why virtual races make such great motivators.

March 2021 Virtual Races

Lucky for us, March is full of fun St. Patrick’s Day theme races. With March also being Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, there are also a few empowering women fun runs. Given that we have been living with Covid for a year now, I included a few races to acknowledge the heroic work of our frontline workers, essential workers and our teachers.

Covid Themes

I Run 2 Kick Corona

March 1 – 31
$34.99
5K or 10K
Kick Corona medal
Bib
Kick Corona t-shirt or tank
Share on social media #IRun2KickCorona #IRun4Movement
Chance to win prizes
Earn money back when you refer friends
Benefits First Responders Children’s Foundation

I Run 4 Teachers

March 1 – 31
$34.99
5K or 10K
Apple I Run 4 Teachers medal
Bib
I Run 4 Teachers workers t-shirt or tank
Share on social media #IRun4Teachers #IRun4Movement
Chance to win prizes
Earn money back when you refer friends
Benefits AdoptAClassroom

Make Tracks for the Vax

March 27
$20
5K or 10K
Covid vaccination spinning medal
Submit results to private Facebook group

Run of Your Life

March 15
$39.00
5K, 10K or half marathon
Star medal
T-shirt or tanks
Bib and medal only – $29
T-shirt only – $29
Submit results to private Facebook group
Share on social media #RunOfYourLife
Benefits the National Domestic Violence Hotline

I Run 4 Frontline Heroes

March 1 – 31
$34.99
5K or 10K
Heart-shaped I Run 4 Frontline Workers medal
Bib
I Run 4 Frontline workers t-shirt or tank
Share on social media #Running2FightBack #IRun4Movement
Chance to win prizes
Earn money back when you refer friends
Benefits First Responders Children’s Foundation

Women’s History Month

ZOOMA Women’s Day 5K

March 8
FREE (bib only)
$15 – medal, bib and magnet
Tank an additional $15
Share on social media @zoomarun and #womensday5k

International Women’s Day 5K

March 8 – December 31
$25
Girls Run the World medal
Digital bib
Submit time online
Share on social media #VirtualRunningSquad

International Women’s Day Run

March 1 -31
$25
1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon
Digital bib
Flower Medal with quote by Anais Nin “And the Day Came When the Risk to Remain Tight In a Bud Was More Painful Than the Risk It Took to Blossom.”
Benefits Dress for Success