Virtual Racing Across New York State For Charity
One NY Challenges Runners of All Ages to Virtually Cross the State on Foot This Summer
The One NY Virtual Challenge was created to bring New Yorkers from across the state together with a common cause of covering either 500k or 1000k on foot this summer while raising money for Direct Relief, a charity that has provided over $12.5 million in aid to New York so far this year, helping support the fight against the coronavirus.With in-person running events and track meets cancelled, virtual races and running challenges have become a popular way to stay motivated and find a community while logging miles solo.
Participants have from May 15 to August 31 to cover 500k or 1000k on foot. The 1000k distance represents a trip across the state of New York, from Niagara Falls to Montauk. The 500k distance represents a trip from Niagara Falls to Albany. With a timeframe of just over 100 days to complete the challenge, the 500k "Thruway Challenge" would require about 3 miles per day and the 1000k "Race Across NY" would require 6-7 miles per day.
In addition to the individual challenges, there will be a team competition that will track team mileage totals in a 1500 Mile "Loop the State" course - running the entire perimeter of the state. Any individual can either create or join a team and use their daily mileage total to add together with other members of their team to count towards the team total. There will be a special high school team division, allowing high school and middle school runners to compete against participants of their own age group, using their summer mileage logs to see which teams can get around the state the fastest.
The event is being put on by Upstate Event Management, producers of the Syracuse Half Marathon (www.syracusehalf.com), along with results assistance from Leone Timing (www.leonetiming.com). Pat Leone and his crew are currently working on leaderboard and map tracking features for both the individual and team challenges, so that participants can see in real-time how they are progressing along the course, as they log their miles each day. Beginning on May 15, participants will be able to enter their daily mileage totals and rankings will show who is leading the challenges.
The One NY Virtual Challenge costs $60 and participants receive a hoodie, finisher medal, and a neck gaiter that can be used as a face covering while running. By signing up as a team of 10 members or more, each member receives a $10 discount on their entry fee. To sign-up, visit www.onenychallenge.com.
Update through May 7th