During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual running races gained popularity among athletes who missed the fun and competition of organized events. These events allow you to complete typical race distances—from the one-mile to the marathon—anywhere on Earth.

Virtual runs are still beloved by runners who want to train and compete more often than in-person race schedules may allow. Here’s an overview of many websites and other resources you can use to find a virtual race that suits your goals.

1. Virtual Run Events

Virtual Run Events website screenshot

With this website, you can take part in races celebrating Earth Day, Pi day, or your own birthday, among many more events. Whether you want to celebrate good vibes, pirates, or sea turtles, there's a race for just about everybody.

In addition, the races also benefit a whole range of charities, including Ainsley's Angels, Mental Health America, the National MS Society, and WaterAid. There's also a range of distances, including the one mile, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon.

2. Yes.Fit

Yes.fit is a popular app that provides access to a whole wealth of virtual races and challenge events. Run or walk 26.2 miles to earn a cool Hanging Gardens of Babylon medal, or snag a Niagara Falls medal for covering five miles.

There are dozens of races available, with themes ranging from travel destinations to various animals. There's even a medal celebrating Bigfoot.

Distances range from the one-mile TCS Liberty Island race to the 155-mile Tortoise Creep. (You don't have to complete the entire workout in one go—you can accumulate the distance over the course of many weeks or months.)

You can pay for events individually, or sign up for a VIP subscription for access to over 100 races, as well as many more fitness challenges.

Download: Yes.Fit for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

3. Gone for a Run

Gone for a Run race medals website screenshot

Themed races that benefit charities are a big part of this website. Complete your desired distance while supporting organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation.

Celebrate holidays like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Christmas with themed virtual races and medals as well. There's also a section for running a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon. In addition, a series of medals are available for runners who cover at least 100 miles over the course of a single spring, summer, fall, or winter.

4. runDisney

Disney Virtual Run website screenshot

Receive cool character-themed medals and more goodies with these popular virtual races presented by Disney. If your favorite streaming service is Disney+, then these are the virtual races for you.

If you can't make the Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando, Florida, then check out some of the virtual race options on runDisney, many of which mirror the in-person events. Run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon wherever you are. For an ambitious undertaking, the virtual Dopey Challenge invites you to cover 48.6 miles over the course of four days.

As you might expect from a Disney-themed race, the virtual events include finisher medals and participant shirts outfitted with characters from Frozen, Cars, and many more of Disney's classic characters. If you're excited to try out a virtual race with your family, then these are magical options.

5. The Conqueror Challenges

The Conqueror's Challenge website screenshot

This app lets you virtually cover routes from places like Machu Picchu or the Grand Canyon while earning a real-life finisher’s medal.

Run, walk, bike, and/or swim 100 miles to earn the gorgeous Côte d’Azur Virtual Challenge medal, or travel 231 miles to earn the gorgeous and intricate Transylvania medal. In addition to the travel-themed events, you can also earn a series of medals based on Lord of the Rings. (The Mordor medal calls for an impressive 282 miles.)

Sign up on the website, or download the Conqueror Challenge app to track your progress toward each goal. The app also integrates with popular fitness devices like Fitbit and Garmin watches, as well as apps like Runkeeper. This is a great option for athletes who are already a fan of the best apps for runners, such as Strava.

Learn about fascinating locations all over the world (and Middle Earth) while pursuing your fitness goals thanks to the Conqueror Challenges virtual races.

Download: The Conqueror Challenges for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

6. Virtual Hot Chocolate Run

Hot Chocolate Run virtual race

Complete a 5K, 10K, or 15K run and receive a jacket, medal, bib, and a chocolate kit. If you can't make it to one of the 18 cities that hosts an in-person Hot Chocolate Run, then the virtual option is just as sweet. Simply sign up and complete your chosen distance, then kick back with your cup of hot chocolate for your own post-race celebration.

7. Virtual Running Club

Virtual Running Club website screenshot

Earn medals based on the 1990s, the 1980s, Transformers, Tetris, and more with these creative races. As a site that only hosts virtual races, Virtual Run Club should be on any runner's radar.

Log 90 miles to earn the All Out '90's Challenge swag, which includes a race medal shaped like a burned CD (complete with era-appropriate doodles). Meanwhile, the 100- and 1,000-mile Dog Lover's Challenges let you earn a pawprint finisher medal and a clip-on tag for your favorite canine.

In addition to these long-term mileage challenges, there are also more traditional race distances, such as the I Just Felt Like Running 5K and Sesame Street's Dream Big Race 10K.

Log Real-Life Miles With Virtual Running Races

Any time you want to challenge yourself, work on your race pace, or get a little more running motivation, signing up for a virtual race is an excellent choice. Virtual races are a great option for runners in any location because you can still enjoy earning a race medal, shirt, and bragging rights. (Plus, there are no worries about finding parking on race day.)

Whether you sign up with a few friends or run solo, there's a virtual race designed for every type of athlete on these apps and websites.