If you have been putting off entering your first race, or learning about virtual races, we have the perfect opportunity for you to take those first steps with our Resolution Run 5K virtual race. You’re in charge – run (or walk!) 3.1 miles in the place of your choice, whenever you like between December 31, 2016 and January 8, 2017 and guess what? You’re officially a runner and will have a large, glittered medal and authentic race bib to prove it. We’ll also send you our exclusive 2017 runner’s desk calendar  to keep you inspired to run through the rest of the year.  We created a bunch of motivational images (really… it is a 365 day calendar, after all) and even left room to track your daily miles and write notes about your run. You’ll receive all of the above in your official packet when you sign up for the Resolution to Run 2017 race.

We know how intimidating it can be when you start running, and the idea of registering for a race, even a local one, can be incredibly intimidating. That’s part of what makes virtual races so appealing to runners who are new to the sport, as well as seasoned runners who have participated in countless traditional marathons. When you set the parameters and don’t have to worry about getting caught in a sea of runners, it’s easier to focus on yourself – and your run. Which isn’t to say you have to do it alone – invite some close friends or family members and make your virtual run a special event you participate in together. And don’t forget – there will be people all over the country running the race as we have a robust virtual running community who share their stories and photos on our Facebook page. We hope you’ll share yours, after you finish your run, to inspire others to get involved.

All of our virtual races have another important component – they raise money for charities, as a portion of each registration fee is donated to a cause Gone for a RUN believes in.  This race benefits the Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort located in Florida that invites children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to spend a week at the resort, for no cost. Your registration will help them to continue doing the work they do and help families in need to spend some stress-free time together they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

As a thank you for participating in the race, we have a special discount – only for virtual runners – on a pair inspiring Socrates performance socks and a mantra cord bracelet that you can add on to your order when you sign up for the race.

So sign up, and make a New Year’s resolution you can, and will want to,  keep all year long – the resolution to run. Have a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing your success in this race – and the 2017 races yet to come.

The post Start the New Year With the 2017 Resolution Run 5K Virtual Race appeared first on ChalkTalkSPORTS Blog.