Name: Susan Wheatcroft
Name of race organisation: Virtual Runner UK
Tell us a bit about your organisation. How old is it and how did it come about?
Virtual Runner is a little over 2 years old and was born out of a personal frustration of not being able to find a local race in January!
What virtual races do you organise?
We put on at least one every month. Our most popular have been the poppy challenge, the December race series and the May the Fourth be with you races to date!
What do you personally get out of putting on virtual races?
I love running and communicating with runners. My main buzz is getting people to improve or get out there for the first time. The fact we have raised over £53,000 for charity since we started is a huge bonus!
Why virtual races? What do you think are the benefits?
Lots! Benefits include motivation for training, motivation for the first ever race, to avoid long travel times, expensive entry fees, crowds, to improve self-confidence etc! Plus our bling is awesome (if I do say so myself!) I could go on about this topic for hours!
Do your races help raise money for charity? If yes, brag a little.
Yes, we donate a minimum of 20% to charity. In two years we have raised over £53,000. We hope to be at £75k in the next 6 months! Every race raises money for a different charity and not only do we raise money, we help raise small charities profiles.
Are you yourself a runner?
Yes, I run 3-4 times a week (still new to running, have only been running since July 2013). I will be doing my third marathon next year.
Have you ever ran one your own virtual races? (If you could only run one which one would it be?)
I run every single one of my races! I can’t ask people to do something i’m not prepared to do myself! If I could only run one… wow that’s impossible – i’m an addict!
What do you think medals add to your races?
Everything! It is like the adult sticker collection 🙂
Why should people sign up for your virtual events?
We raise money for charity, you get extra motivation to run and earn great bling at reasonable prices! Is that reason enough?
Which country are you based in and do you ship outside of that country?
We’re based in the UK, but will ship anywhere in the world (and do regularly!)
What’s your favourite medal from your own races?
The poppy challenge as it was the first that really caught the imagination of our community; it means a lot.
What’s your favourite medal ever? (You can be bias)
My favourite is my first London marathon medal, my second will be achieved next year!
Wow, £53,000!! Well done Susan, Virtual Runner UK and all of your runners who helped raise that impressive amount of money for charity. Virtual Runner UK came third for Websire (Non Magazine) at the 2015 Running Awards and they are nominated in the same category for 2016. They also have same amazing races coming soon. Sadly the ‘May the 4th’ Star Wars themed race has sold out but ‘Revenge of the Sixth’ will open for entries 22nd December at 7pm. You can find Virtual Runner UK on facebook, twitter or their website and you can take a look at the 2016 medals below. (P.s. Good luck for your marathon Susan)