Space Race
Launch into a 400-mile journey exploring the solar system! We challenge you to run, walk, hike, swim, roll, cycle, or paddle your way through outer space in this cumulative distance challenge – no space suit required. You’ll be rewarded with planetary pins as you hit 8 milestones along the way.
For more information, check out the FAQ section below.
Thank you to Celestron for being part of this event. Celestron has been creating groundbreaking new telescopes for over 60 years.
What do I get?
Each registration incudes 8 planetary pins, a galactic lanyard to showcase them, and a medal for mission completion. Outfit yourself as true voyager with add-ons available during registration including a custom race bib and official event shirt.
Every Registration Includes:
Available add-on options:
Please note: Shipping times may vary due to supply chain issues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please familiarize yourself with the deadlines and event format listed in our FAQ section.
how far will you g0?
Start 2022 off with a big bang with a 400-mile challenge to be completed at your pace! Embark on your mission and earn unique planetary pins along the way as you reach each milestone. Complete the mission to earn your medal.
how to take on the challenge
- 1Select your challenge reward structure below. Choose when you want to get your pins/medal, either all up front* or via the VRC reporting app as they're earned.
- 2Click the registration button for your chosen distance and reward structure, and follow the prompts.
- 3Start logging your miles January 1, 2022.
Pick 1 registration option
REPORT FOR REWARDS
$135
REWARD YOURSELF
$90
*Regardless of the option chosen, pins and medals will start to ship late March 2022.
Other swag items (shirts and bibs) are batch-printed specifically for each participant at the timelines listed in our FAQ section.
YOUR MISSION REWARDS
Check out the pins you'll be collecting as you reach each checkpoint! Complete all 400 miles to receive your medal.
400 MILE CHALLENGE
Have a Question? Let us help!
Click an item from the dropdown menu below for help.
Nope. You can complete your race distance in your movement method of choice. Running is great, but so is walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, rucking...
All swag ships separately. Pins and medals ship with a tracking email from support@virtualrunningclub.com. Bibs are sent in a standard white envelope with a first class stamp.
Due to supply chain delays, pins and medals will start to ship late March 2022.
For those who register on February 22, 2022 or later, shirts will be printed on-demand and expected to arrive roughly 2 weeks after being ordered. Bibs are no longer available for purchase.
Past Registration Deadlines
- Those who registered by February 21, 2022 will receive their shirts/bibs by March 17.
- Those who registered by January 20 will receive these items by February 17.
Registration remains open while supplies last.
For those who register on February 22, 2022 or later, shirts will be printed on-demand and expected to arrive roughly 2 weeks after being ordered. Bibs are no longer available for purchase.
Due to supply chain delays, pins and medals will start to ship late March 2022.
Past Registration Deadlines
- Those who registered by February 21, 2022 will receive their shirts/bibs by March 17.
- Those who registered by January 20 will receive these items by February 17.
Paper and pencil, GPS watch, or however you choose! If you select the Report for Rewards option, you’ll need to report your miles through our new mobile app. Starting January 1, 2022, you can log into the app with the email address you used with registration.
Click here to download the app on iOS or Android.
Check out our video tutorial or the following instructions to navigate the app:
- Enter the email associated with your registration.
- Click the event you would like to add miles for. Only challenges that you are registered for with reporting will be shown in the app.
- To add miles, scroll down to the bottom and select “Add Activity”.
- Enter your miles and click “Save”.
- When you reach a milestone, your freshly earned pin will pop up on your screen. Congrats! Click “Claim” and follow the prompts to receive your reward.
You have through June 2023 to complete this challenge! Take the time you need to reach the 400-mile distance goal.
Our messages come from support@virtualrunningclub.com. Please add this address to your safe list so you're sure to get all updates.
We find some of our participants like to do multiple Virtual Running Club events at once. If you want to double-dip – that is, apply your miles to multiple events – you have our full permission to do so. Choose whatever works best for you!
Absolutely! Pluto has been included as a bonus pin you can add-on during registration for $10.
There’s a special Facebook group for VRC Distance Challenges, where members share their achievements and cheer each other on. Joining the group is entirely voluntary.
Celestron has been creating groundbreaking new telescopes for over 60 years. We'll be giving away three Celestron StarSense Explorer telescopes between February and March 2022.
Celestron StarSense Explorer telescopes make enjoying the sky a piece of cake for amateur astronomers. With StarSense patent-pending technology, your smartphone calculates your position and guides you to the object you want to see. Learn more on the Celestron website.