TCS New York City Marathon Offering Virtual 26.2 and Virtual 5K

The first-ever TCS New York City Marathon – Virtual 26.2M and 5K will take place from November 1-4 this year as part of the 2018 New York Road Runners Virtual Racing Series, which allows runners anywhere in the world to run a race at their convenience and location of their choice during a specified period of time. Registration for the TCS New York City Marathon – Virtual 26.2M opens today, and it is first come, first served with a limited number of entries available. Registration for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon – Virtual 5K will open at a later date with no limit to the number of participants. 

“The TCS New York City Marathon is already the largest marathon in the world, and we are excited to extend the opportunity to runners all over the world by adding it to our recently launched NYRR Virtual Racing Series and benefiting our NYRR youth and community programs,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “This November, people around the globe will have the opportunity to run the TCS New York City Marathon in a location of their choice on their own time and be part of the world’s greatest running weekend that already includes 50,000 people racing the five-borough course here in New York City.” 

The TCS New York City Marathon – Virtual 26.2M is $100 for NYRR members and $120 for non-members, and is restricted to runners not participating in the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. Those who run the virtual race will receive guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, a complimentary Virtual Trainer program, and a limited edition hat and medal.

The NYRR Virtual Racing Series launched at the start of 2018 to expand the organization’s global footprint and inspire more people of all ages and abilities to get out and run. Launched in beta together with Strava, proceeds from the virtual races support NYRR’s mission to help and inspire people through running, and benefit NYRR’s youth and community programs. Runners create a free account with Strava that allows them to record and upload their run, and connects with their GPS device wherever they are in the world.

 “The NYRR Virtual Racing Series is proving to be a pioneer in the future of the running industry, and we have been receiving extremely positively feedback from our community of runners around the world who have participated,” said Christine Burke, vice president of runner products and services for New York Road Runners. “These virtual races allow runners who may not be in New York City’s five boroughs or have busy schedules to still participate in our races and engage with many of the products and services that NYRR has to offer.” 

Through the first five virtual races this year, 10,133 finishers ages 18 to 98 represented 89 different countries and all 50 states. Currently, the NYRR Virtual GOOAAALLL 5K race, which is soccer-themed, is being run through July 15. Two-time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, who will be racing the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, recently completed the NYRR Virtual GOOAAALLL 5K race, as did 2009 New York City Marathon champion and NYRR Team for Kids Ambassador Meb Keflezighi. 

Runners participating in the NYRR Virtual Racing Series may choose to purchase a race for credit toward the NYRR Virtual 6 program. By completing six NYRR Virtual Races, participants will be eligible to receive one non-complimentary entry to the 2019 Popular Brooklyn Half, the largest half marathon in the country.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR): In 2018, NYRR is celebrating 60 years of helping and inspiring people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.