Virtual Run Plans
With social gathering restrictions still firmly in place, we do not anticipate being able to gather 1000+ people in one place by the end of March, 2021. Therefore, the 2021 Annual Wildflower run (the 38th one, since 1984) will once again be a virtual one like this year. We will give you all the support you need to make this a fun and rewarding event. Your participation is crucial now more than ever to support those in need with scholarships, community grants, and more. We are a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run event with 100% proceeds going to these important causes.
What is a Virtual Run?
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on your home treadmill, or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. And, before your run, your tee-shirt and other swag will be waiting for you at the designated packet pickup location (or you can request it to be mailed to you before your planned run date).
Why Run A Virtual Race?
Motivate yourself!
- During this pandemic, setting (and achieving) goals, staying active, and staying motivated are more important than ever!
- Setting a goal or something to train for is a great motivating factor to start running or to run more.
- If you’ve never signed up for a race before and want to without the crowds or having to run at a specific time, a virtual race is the perfect opportunity to do so. Run any day between March 20 and March 28.
- Running has numerous benefits. See 25 Ways Running Can Help You Feel Better, Be Healthier, And Even Lose Weight.
Run for a good cause!
- During this pandemic, your philanthropy is more important than ever.
- More and more runs are managed by for-profit organizations with just a small portion of proceeds going to charitable causes. The Wildflower Run is a non-profit, all-volunteer-run event.
- All Wildflower Run proceeds support scholarships and grants for women and girls, Tech Trek (a science;/math camp for middle school girls, community grants to non profit organizations, leadership programs for women and girls, and more.
- Achieve your personal goals while helping others with the means to reach theirs.
Explore running in new, scenic places!
- Maybe you need to break out of a rut… it’s easy to run the same route over and over again. But perhaps there’s a course you’ve never run before?
- Or you’re traveling and you’re not sure where to run.
- Map My Run provides free maps in most cities in the US.
- Looking for route ideas (local to Morgan Hill or otherwise)? Get route ideas.
- Whether you’re running our virtual 2K, 5K or 10K, find a beautiful, scenic route that calls to you!
Avoid the pressure of time/course limits.
- Do you take a little longer to finish races? It’s good to not feel the pressure of getting left behind, being the last runner or–even worse–having the course close before you are finished.
- Virtual races give you the flexibility to run on both your own time and your own pace; take the time YOU need to finish your run!
Avoid large crowds, yet still connect (even virtually) with friends and family!
- Run by yourself or with family, without the pressure of other participants.
- Or, during this pandemic, connect virtually with distant friends; form a team and commit to running together while apart.
- Focus on your own personal, virtual run
- You still get the same swag,online results, and beautiful course.
For the finish time (for those who relish the pressure)!
- Share your results and achievements with your friends! What better way than to have the results online
- Hold yourself accountable.
Free Running Apps
If a virtual run sounds difficult because you don’t have a wearable device like a Fitbit or Garmin, there are budget-friendly options to track your run/walk. Strava and MapMyRun are just two of many free fitness apps available for download from the app store. Just open the app of your choice and carry your phone with you while you exercise.