top of page
JOUR 503 Final Project: About Me
WHEN COVID CANCELED IN-PERSON RACES, CHICAGO RUNNERS MADE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE NEW RACING ENVIRONMENT
Virtual races are the new ways runners compete with each other
By Hector Cervantes
JOUR 503 Final Project: Welcome
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend the way society functions, it has caused many changes within the running community, especially road races. Many Chicago residents had to change the way they run races as many have either been cancelled, postponed, or modified to a virtual event.
"I was hoping to run the Milwaukee marathon and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon last year, both of which were obviously canceled and subsequently rescheduled. The 2021 Milwaukee Marathon is postponed until October, pending a possible virtual event," Pilsen resident Matthew Meifert said.
Meifert decided to defer his entry for the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Milwaukee Marathon is postponed for this upcoming October. Meifert hopes he can run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in person this fall.
Similarly, Lincoln Park resident Libby Godecke intended to run the 2020 Soldier Field 10 Miler race in person which was switched to a virtual race.
“It was a little disappointing, but that was more towards the beginning of the pandemic, so while I was disappointed, at the time I still thought we would be back to running in-person before too long,” Godecke said.
Also, Godecke initially put her name into the lottery for the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon since it was intended that the race would be in person. However, she was not selected and she was able to run it as a first time marathoner because after going virtual, they opened additional spots.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
Photo By: Libby Godecke
For Godecke, her first time running a marathon happened to be a virtual race in the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This is the medal she received when completing the race. Her children also showed support by making a sign for her at the porch and had balloons when she returned.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Image
Greater Grand Crossing resident Terrance L. Lyles was expecting to travel to the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon that is hosted in Canton, OH. Terrance completed the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon in 2019 as well.
“Me and my friends were going to travel to Canton for that race but with COVID, they cancelled it. However, it gave me the chance to do it virtually. I wanted to get it out of the way and run it virtually,” Lyles said.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
Photo By: Terrance Lyles
Lyles shows his Pro Football Hall of Fame medals. In 2019, he did the marathon and 2020 did the virtual half marathon. He has ran 31 total marathons- seven of these marathons being the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Image
Anita Thomas, a south side Chicago resident and a member of the Black Chicago Runners group also faced the same frustration when the 2020 Shamrock Shuffle moved to a virtual format.
“This was going to be my first live race after dealing with hamstring injuries that I experienced in the 2019 race season. My physical therapist had just given me the green light to run it,” Thomas said.
When it comes to running virtual events Thomas likes the idea of virtual races because it keeps her interested in continuing to run especially for the medals and racing bibs.
Thomas will also be running the 2021 Shamrock Shuffle virtually as well. During the pandemic Thomas ran the Mardi Gras 5k, a Valentine Day 5k, and a New Year's Day 5k.
Despite how virtual races can offer medals and other memorabilia once completed, it can never make up for the true experience of an in person race.
“I miss the crowds, the atmosphere is truly electric during live races. The crowds will definitely be different once live races start on a regular just for health and safety reasons,” Thoms said.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
JOUR 503 Final Project: Pro Gallery
Photos By: Anita Thomas
Many medals and racing bibs are found in Anita's home as she has experienced many in-person and virtual races. In 2019 she ran six 5k’s, one 8k, three 10k’s, one 10 mile race, two half marathons and one full marathon.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
Meifert decided to not participate in the virtual races. Despite this he still keeps training since running has been something he has cherished since middle school when he started taking it more seriously.
“I finally decided to register for a full marathon in 2020, and of course, the pandemic put a halt to that possibility. The transition to virtual races was expected, but I cannot say that I was enthusiastic about still participating in that manner,” Meifert said. “I prefer to have my entry deferred to a later date and alter my training plan accordingly. Depending how the rest of the year goes, I may decide to opt in for virtual events.”
If it is safe to do so in summer of 2021, Godecke would like to run some in person half marathons this summer.
“I also work in a long-term care facility for the elderly, so I have to be very careful when I am out. But I would say my experience running a virtual race was positive overall, and if the race had to switch to virtual, I would still do it,” Godecke said.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
Photo By: Hector Cervantes
Chicago's lakefront officially reopened on Feb. 23, 2021 which includes the playgrounds and indoor aquatics. The lakefront has been closed for nearly a year to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As runners train on the lakefront trail it offers them 18 miles of trails and scenic views.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Image
When Lyles planned his Pro Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon, he chose busier streets for the resources that are available on them.
“I pulled up a map of what I visually thought of what I wanted to run. I went down 87th St, Western Ave., 95th St., and State St.,” Lyles said. “These streets have busy traffic so I can stop by at the gas station or any store if I needed to hydrate and bathroom stops were difficult since places did not allow people to go to the bathroom. Luckily that did not happen having to go to the bathroom.”
Godecke enjoyed planning her own race course for the marathon since she thought of it as a ‘DIY’ project.
“I knew I wanted to run at the lake, because the views are great, and it’s one of the only places that isn’t interrupted with traffic, lights, and pedestrians.” Godecke said.
For the course, Godeke needed it to have loops since she did a 24 mile training once at the lake going one way. She started in North Center, and ended up at the South Shore Cultural Club.
“That was pretty far away, and getting 26 miles that way would be pretty difficult logistically. I ended up doing a shorter loop and 2 longer loops on the lake from about Armitage to Hollywood,” Godecke said.
Meifert has not completed a virtual race, but is beginning to plan a route he has in mind if races do not come back in person by the fall.
“I have several ideas that are not a mere replication of the Chicago marathon route,” Meifert said.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
JOUR 503 Final Project: Pro Gallery
Photos By: Hector Cervantes
Runners are encouraged to wear a face covering to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while they run on the lakefront trail.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
In terms of what motivates these runners to complete virtual races stems from different reasons.
“I literally run to stay alive. I have a lot of health issues and I know running and working out is allowing my conditions to not get worse,” Thomas said.
For Lyles he has been running for about 15 years and considers himself a self-starter.
“It is my strong will and determination to do a marathon. That was just my motivating factor and completing it. I got it out of the way and I was happy for completing that goal,” Lyles said.
Running groups provided the motivation for Godecke to continue competing in virtual races since she started running in 2019.
“On my 26th birthday, as a present to myself, I started running. At that time, I was just doing like 3 miles a day on the treadmill,” Godecke said.
Eventually, she met some runners in a neighborhood running group, and began to run more frequently, outside and for longer distances.
“One of the members of that group was doing the marathon last year, and I did my first 10 mile run with them while they were on a training run for the marathon,” Godeke said. “Right after the marathon is the registration for the 2020 marathon, so I decided why not see if I could get it. My number wasn’t pulled, but the race was cancelled that year anyway.”
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
JOUR 503 Final Project: Image
Photo By: Hector Cervantes
As the snow continues to thaw out and more virtual races become available to welcome runners back into racing season, runners will be using the lakefront trail to train.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
Since Thomas is a member of the Black Chicago Runners Group, she has found that runners find community with virtual races and fitness training through groups on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and social circles with friends and colleagues.
With building community as runners, Thomas also recommends running stores like Road Runners or Fleet Feet for runners to stay connected with each other.
If there was one difficulty Godecke encountered during her virtual marathon would be the lack of crowds and cheering.
“I think having crowds would help for motivation for the last few miles, and having no places for water wasn’t easy,” Godecke said.
When running a virtual race, Lyles offers many tips on how to have a successful race.
“I would say to make sure that you plan your route for the race. Sit down and really think about which local business you can stop if you need help or in need of water or bathrooms. Tell everyone about your route and see if you can get supporters along the way,” Lyles said.
Lyles also added how runners participating in virtual races must create their own determination by planning their route and getting the support as well as carrying some emergency cash and a mask when entering a store for water and bathroom needs.
Lyles also advises to not let the pandemic ruin the goals runners have.
“If you want to do it, don’t let COVID stop your goals. I had friends who fell into a slump who did not want to run and I wanted to get out and run. I know we are dealing with something very difficult. But never stop despite what is being pushed at you. You need to keep moving forward,” Lyle said.
JOUR 503 Final Project: Text
bottom of page