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A Jersey-based company is encouraging islanders of all abilities to join a new virtual running series to keep “healthy, active and safe” during lockdown, while supporting local health professionals.
RaceNation’s ‘Keep Your Distance’ offers islanders the chance to safely complete a 5k, 10k or half marathon distance, while supporting a service to provide home-delivered meals for the frontline workers and their families.
To join the virtual running series, islanders simply need to register online and pick their desired distance, they can choose their own route and complete it as many times as they want between now and the end of April.
Then, all they need to do is time or track their run via Strava or a similar provider to earn their RaceNation medal. Entrants also can compare their results against those of the rest of the island thanks to a result service where they simply upload a run time.
RaceNation, a sports technology and ticketing company, also partnered with Funktion Fitness, a Jersey-based personal training gym, to support those looking to improve their running.
Novice runners can opt for additional programmes including a ‘Couch to 5k’, ‘5k Improver’, ‘10K Improver’ or ‘Half Marathon’ training guides to help with their runs.
With so many events being cancelled in Jersey and all over the world, RaceNation Director Will Golder said the team wanted to put together an initiative “to help people stay fit, whilst also being safe and fun to keep the spirited community going”.
“Topped off with a custom medal to add the collection, the Keep Your Distance Virtual Event Series is the perfect chance for us all to not only stay active, but also get creative with our chosen routes,” he added.
Pictured: The Virtual Running Series will conclude at the end of April.
“There are a few residents already finding new places to explore, or seeing if they can complete it at home or in the garden. We hope these events allow even just a few people to have something to work towards.
“All we stress is that you follow the government guidelines and ‘Keep Your Distance’.”
Mr Golder said for those used to running as part of a club or group, a virtual event is “the next best thing right now”.
“Tracking your run online and doing the RaceNation Virtual Series will mean you can not only share the experience with your community but also track yourself against the whole Island to see who really is the best,” he explained.
Pictured: Will Golder is a former Team GB Bobsleigh driver.
A former Team GB Bobsleigh driver, Mr Golder knows a thing or two about the importance of exercise and shared his tips on how to tackle these events, which are open to everyone no matter their ability.
“We always recommend you take it slow if you're not used to running,” he explained. “Start by alternating between running and walking to understand what feels comfortable and build up your fitness from there.
“We would always advise that you have your run planned in advance with the route and the distance so you have a set goal in mind.
“Music and podcasts are a great way to keep entertained while out on your own but in times like these, it's the perfect chance to get outside in the fresh air, reset your mind and release some endorphins."
Not only will the events give islanders the opportunity to improve their health, they will also have a chance to give back to the Island.
Each participant will be encouraged to donate to FeedOurFrontline - a campaign that aims to provide food delivery services to health professionals while keeping local food suppliers in business, which RaceNation helped launch.
To join RaceNation's 'Keep Your Distance’ Virtual Running Series click here.
To donate to FeedOurFrontline click here.
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