The Value in Virtual Racing
By: Cynthia O'Halloran
Once upon a time, when virtual races were first making their debuts on the running scene, I scoffed at them. “Why would anyone want to do a virtual race?” I wondered. “What’s the point? You’re still running on your own and I do that all the time. I can push myself to run a fast 5K any time I want without wasting my money.” At that point in time, to me, the whole premise behind virtual races was a money grab.
Fast forward to the spring of 2020 when race after race was cancelled. The goals that we had been targeting simply vanished into thin air. My post-injury hashtag #trainingtotrain became #trainingfornothing. While my dedication to my sport was there, my enthusiasm to train without a foreseeable goal race was not. It wasn’t long before I found myself thinking about virtual racing.
“Do I really need to spend money on something like this? I don’t need a t-shirt or another medal.” But the more I thought about virtual racing, the more I realized that my participation was not really about me. It was about supporting the running community.
“In the same way that we support small businesses,” I told my husband, “we need to support the race directors. Racing is their business. And they have been good to me. There are so many races that have helped me become the runner that I am today. Their race directors are struggling right now so supporting them by registering for a virtual race is the right thing to do.”
The more I spoke with Dave about this, the more I understood virtual races. “And they help charities too. Hundreds of charities depend on fundraising from road races. Right now, that isn’t happening and charities are being hit financially. So a virtual race helps the race organization and a charity. It’s a win for both.”
After making a decision that I never would have a few years ago, I registered for the Toronto Women’s Run Series Virtual 10K, one of three races in a series directed by Cory Freedman. This a major fundraiser for POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario); as a parent of a brain cancer survivor, I know how important supporting this charity is. This race also holds a special spot for me as it is one of the first women’s only events designed to encourage women as runners and walkers. For me personally, the races helped build my confidence as a female athlete and motivated me to starting chasing my dreams. So, in my eyes, the Toronto Women’s Run Series 10K was one event that I just had to support.
I registered and ran, not raced, on the following Saturday. I ran longer than I needed to (11.25K) and my average pace was slower than my 10K race pace, but I didn’t care. I felt good. I was supporting the running community and helping a charity. But what I didn’t expect when I registered was the happiness that I felt from finishing, from being reconnected to the racing scene – even if it is a virtual one.
As runners, we are use to giving back and now is not the time to stop. Race organizations are trying to stay on their feet and, quite frankly, we need them to survive if we want to return to racing in a post-pandemic world. The charities they support also need our help. So if you are able, find a virtual race and register for it. Pick one that means something special to you or supports a charity you value. Perhaps you’d rather race virtually in some faraway place where you have always dreamed of visiting. Or consider making a donation to a local charity that your favourite race supports. Now, more than ever, is the time for the running community to come together.
This blog was originally published on www.cynsspace.com where you can find more stories from Cynthia about running, cycling and self care.
Our Community and Partners Rally for POGO during COVID-19 Pandemic
Since late March, POGO has had to pivot along with our partners as the new reality of COVID-19 set in. For our partners, adapting to this new normal meant thinking of new ways to bring people together safely and changing the way to raise funds in support of childhood cancer. The outcome is an overwhelming display of community involvement to champion childhood cancer care.
POGO has been working to reduce the impact COVID-19 is having on the childhood cancer community. A video campaign featuring POGO Associate Medical Director Dr. Paul Gibson explains how, even though much of our lives has been put on hold during the pandemic, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy continue for children with cancer. COVID-19 placed an even greater strain on families already dealing with their child’s cancer diagnosis. Our community rallied around our call for support and raised more than $21,000 to help offset the increased financial strain families will face.
The Toronto Women’s Run Series is a long-time POGO supporter, offering racing events to inspire, motivate and allow women to set their own pace. Because we have been unable to connect in person, the originally scheduled Half Marathon/10k/5k at Sunnybrook Park was the first event in the run series to go virtual. From May 17 to June 7, 2020, more than 1000 runners from far and wide crossed the finish line virtually and surpassed our fundraising goal by raising more than $20,000 for childhood cancer care! We await the results of the Virtual 10k/5k Run that ended September 7 and the Virtual 8k/5k Run takes place October 24 – November 14, 2020, so register today!
Read one runner’s perspective in "The Value in Virtual Racing"
Our friends at Good Hood Club brainstormed different ways to support children with cancer, survivors and their families during lock down. The student-run loungewear company reached out to their network and created Good Hood Care Kits for children receiving treatment in POGO Satellite Clinics. Kits are full of homemade cards, fun crafts and other goodies made by members of the Good Hood community to put smiles on children’s faces.
Bruce Power connected with its partners in the nuclear supply chain to lend a hand to charitable organizations continuing to help people during the pandemic. The 2020 Charitable Events Sponsorship Program is benefitting POGO and several other organizations throughout Ontario. This collective support helps ensure access to the best possible care and support for everyone affected by childhood cancer during these challenging times.
LINKED for Life was created by POGO’s Survivor to Survivor (S2S) Network facilitators to raise both awareness about the late effects survivors face and funds in support of POGO. The goal is to create a visual representation of the connection between the childhood cancer community and those who support it. Colourful paper links will be hung at six participating hospitals during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Show your own support by purchasing your own link ($5) and sharing #LINKEDforLife on social media.
POGO is grateful to our strong network of childhood cancer champions. By thinking creatively and relying on the kindness of one another, we are able to ensure the continuity of the programs that benefit children with cancer, youth, their families and survivors in Ontario.
Have a great idea for a fundraiser in support of childhood cancer care? Contact us at events@pogo.ca and we'll help you get started!
