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4 Reasons Why You Should Try a Virtual Race

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Learn about all the benefits before you sign up for a virtual race

Are you looking for a way to find adventure and excitement this fall? A virtual race is the answer you’ve been searching for. While there are many things in life we have no control over, physical fitness is one thing that we still have a grasp on. And with the Run Austin Virtual Series from Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon, you’ll have monthly milestones and get fit in no time!

Virtual events explained

Virtual races are an innovative addition to the racing community, giving participants an opportunity to stay fit and motivated while we work towards returning to in-person events. They can be completed in the comfort of your own home and at a time of your choice. Competitors can pick their starting points and routes, be it the walkway outside their house, in a different state, or even a completely different country. The Run Austin Virtual Series will only dictate the distance you run and there are various races to choose from. It’s a great opportunity to return to racing and enjoy the keen satisfaction that comes with completing a task. Take your virtual races off the roads and to the trails. If you are in Austin you can complete your next virtual run on Austin’s top running trails.

Why you should try virtual racing

1. Set new goals and achieve them

Competitors are given the opportunity to set personal goals and achieve them. Although you won’t run alongside others, you can still achieve your running goals, increase your mileage, and possibly set personal records along the way. Additionally, you can work your way from smaller, more achievable goals to larger ones. Since virtual events have fewer time restrictions than in-person events, you can work towards completing a longer distance than you would normally run, significantly increasing your endurance levels.

2. Explore the social aspect of racing

It’s a shared, fun experience that’s enjoyable for everyone involved. Although virtual, you’ll still be able to interact with fellow runners and connect over the races you’ve completed and the records you’ve set. This also allows you to get your family and friends from different parts of the world in on all the fun. Additionally, participation in virtual races also prepares you for traditional races once you feel the time is right.

3. Take your fitness to the next level

See this as a wake-up call to start achieving your fitness goals today. Virtual races can advance your fitness level, motivating you to change any unhealthy habits, and live your best life. This is a great way for beginners to implement our useful advice for first-timer runners.

4. Virtual racing swag

With each virtual race comes unique swag! You can also purchase official merchandise just like you would for an in-person event. These fun momentos are great ways to remind you of your accomplishments and push you towards your new goal. Share this with your fellow competitors and friends by flaunting your digital swag courtesy of Austin Marathon on our photo booth.

Virtual runs are for people who chase adventure and the sense of accomplishment that follows. It’s definitely an opportunity worth experiencing. You won’t regret supporting your local virtual race provider. How excited are you to take part in a virtual race? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.

Your Insider Advice on Austin’s Top Running Trails

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Take your next run on one of Austin’s top running trails

Every Saturday morning, Austin runners take off on their run. Distances range from short to ultra.  They run solo, with friends, or with their group or club. Runs are completed in just about every condition imaginable. Trail Roots does the same, except they can be found on Austin’s trails. Erik Stanley created Trail Roots in 2014. The former collegiate standout and professional runner wanted to provide support and training for Austin’s growing trail running community. Throughout the years, Trail Roots has covered just about every Austin trail. So when we wanted to know Austin’s top running trails we went to the experts. Trail Roots lays out Austin’s top running trails and what makes them so good for trail running.

Pro tip – trail running provides the perfect opportunity to log training miles and beat the summer heat!

Austin top running trails as voted on by Trail Roots

1) Barton Creek Greenbelt

Image of runners running one of Austin's top running trails. Credit to Trail Roots.

Credit – Trail Roots

The Greenbelt offers the most miles out of all of our local trails. This is surprising because it’s the most central of all the trails. Runners can access the trail in downtown Austin. What our runners also liked about this trail is its accessibility and diverse terrain. You can run the main trail, which is fairly flat, for 7 miles. You could run the west (or backside) of the Greenbelt trails to get in more climbing and add an additional 20 miles! With more than eight well-known access points and trailheads, you can stage water or focus your running on specific trail portions with no problem. 

2) Lakeway / Canyonlands

This West Austin trail is a favorite for its diverse terrain and the number of trails offered. It offers a terrain similar to many of Trail Roots’ Hill Country trail races. While it’s a decent 30+ minute drive from downtown Austin, it is definitely worth it. Also, this trail has some great scenic overlooks and lots of hill climbing. While new neighborhood construction is, unfortunately, slowing eating away at the current trail system, there are still 15-20 miles of trails (when connecting Lakeway, Canyonlands, and Bee Cave Preserve trails). While not at the trailhead, there are about two restroom stalls roughly a half-mile onto the trail.

3) Forest Ridge Preserve

Forest Ridge Preserve is an Austin favorite because of its central location. It also connects to multiple trail systems like St. Edwards Trail and Bull Creek Trail. This offers runners more than 15 miles of trail. Bull Creek also flows most of the year offering a nice place to dip in, cool off,  and take a break from trail running. With plenty of elevation and climbing on these trails, you will get your heart rate up in no time.

Looking for a trail closer to you? Trail Roots has you covered with this helpful map! The one downside of Austin’s top running trails (and just about all of Austin’s trails) is that there aren’t any maps or many markings on the trail to help you find your way. This is a great reason to run with Trail Roots. They can help you navigate and learn these trails! Their goal is to get you comfortable on the trail so you can hop on any Austin trail and feel comfortable. Learn more about Trail Roots and contact their coaches today.