Welcome to The Running Bug — the UK’s home of virtual running. If you’ve ever wondered how virtual races work, this guide explains everything: from signing up and choosing your challenge, to running at your own pace, uploading results, and receiving medals delivered straight to your door.

Here’s exactly how virtual races work — simple, flexible, and built for every runner, from first-timers to seasoned pros.

1. Sign Up & Create Your Account

• Start by creating a free account here. 

• Once your account is active, you’ll be able to benefit from our rewards programme. We will also 15% discount off your first race entry.

2. Choose Your Virtual Challenge

• Browse our Virtual Running Challenges page and pick a race or themed challenge that excites you. 

• You decide your distance (5 K, 10 K, “any distance,” etc.).

• Challenges are designed for all levels — you can run, jog, walk, or mix it up. 

• Each challenge comes with its own medal, theme, and sense of community.

3. Enter the Challenge

• Add the challenge to your basket and proceed to checkout.

• Our checkout process is quick, secure and encrypted — your payment details are safe.

• We often include free delivery on medal shipments and offer reward points that you can use on future entries. 

4. Run on Your Terms

• You set when, where, and how fast you complete the distance — total flexibility. If you enter a race, then something changes and you can’t complete on that date, choose another suitable time.

• Use your usual running route (park, treadmill, local streets) or explore a scenic new course — it’s your call.

5. Upload Proof of Completion

• It is not a requirement to upload proof. All race entrants will receive a medal. But you have the option to upload your evidence after your run (e.g. screenshot from your running app, GPS map, or a photo of your watch) via our site – here.

6. Medal Delivered to Your Door

• Medals are now sent prior to your race. This means you receive your reward immediately. You also have the option to share on social media or send us a photo. More details can be found on our Submit Your Evidence page.

• We aim for fast, reliable delivery — no unnecessary delays.

• No travel, no queues—your reward arrives to celebrate your accomplishment.

7. Join the Community & Stay Motivated

• We are working on a Community Hub for our members, but in the meantime, we are on social media and we have a Strava group where you can compete against other runners. As soon as you’re part of The Running Bug, you’ll get access to training plans, coaching advice, tips, and support from fellow runners.

• We have a partnership with Development Running. Here you can find training plans, coaching advice, tips and support from expert coaches and other community members. To find out more visit Development Running.

• You’ll also find regular blog content on our website with running tips, injury prevention, warm-ups, and guidance. You can read our latest blog here.

• Share your success, photos, and stories — be part of a growing community that cheers everyone on.

8. Earn Rewards & Keep Going

• Each time you enter a race, you collect points that can be used towards rewards (depending on the current promotion). 

• Use those points toward future entries, upgrades, or discounts.

• As you complete more challenges, you’ll build momentum, confidence, and a shelf full of medals — evidence of your progression.

Why Virtual Races Work

Ready to Join a Challenge?

1. Create your account (if you haven’t already).

2. Pick a virtual challenge that suits you — 5 K, 10 K, or a themed special event.

3. Run your distance in your own time and pace.

4. Receive your medal in the post and celebrate.

5. Come back and do it all again — and again — with new goals.

Still not sure how virtual races work? Our FAQ page covers most of the common questions. But contact us if you have any specific questions.