Coast and Country magazine promotes THE RUNNING BUG VIRTUAL RACES

By Don Hale


Join the exciting world of Virtual Events that can be completed in your own time, with limited costs, genuine recognition and superb medals.

 

Special Coast and Country online sports feature by Aled Mawgan.

 

**SPECIAL MAGAZINE OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES: 

Use this Social Coupon Code: COAST26

 

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

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Are you a runner, a club athlete, cyclist, a keen walker, or even a dog walker, just intent on maintaining a certain level of fitness, with some new and exciting event that may be offered and enjoyed within your local community?


If so, then have you considered taking part in some VIRTUAL EVENTS ranging from 1k, 5k, 10k, half marathon to marathons, with an additional opportunity to help fundraise for good causes, or just to complete a specific distance or challenge, in your own time, and at your own pace, either on your own, or with family and friends?


Many regular runners and walkers are constantly complaining about the increased entry costs for both major city centre races, and even local runs, with some 10ks, half marathons, and full marathons, regularly charging anything from £45 to £100, plus the additional hassle of travel, overnight accommodation, petrol, parking and the stress of competition!


Coast and Country online magazine is therefore keen to help promote and enhance a new and rapidly expanding healthy fitness option, open to runners, walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, groups and/or individuals to enjoy a new and flexible keep-fit option without any heavy and unnecessary expenses.

We have teamed up with The Running Bug – an experienced Virtual Event organisation - that offers many different online and interesting events to choose from, where you can select a favourite distance from a comprehensive list of options, which provide flexibility with minimum hassle. And we can offer our readers and supporters a special 10% discount of any races highlighted.


These events are all ideal for a beginner, or an experienced athlete, with superb medals given in recognition of your achievement, for a very reasonable entry fee. Also available are children’s races and charity races.




https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-races/


**SPECIAL OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES: 

Use this Special Coupon Code: COAST26

 

Although some specific dates are shown, the actual run, walk, or cycle, can be completed in your own time, and at any location, without the need to travel anywhere, and apart from many short distance options, it also has some longer challenges, including marathons which can be completed in one-go, or over a few days!


A few suggestions and examples include: The Chocolate 10k on 7th July; The May Day Mile from 2-4th May and 23-25th May; the World Cup run on 19th July; the Chicken Run which can be completed anytime during May; and the Doggie Dash on 26th July - which offers a variety of distances including 1k, 4k.10k and 10 miles. 


*Check the website below for all the races - but please use the special Coupon Code for a 10% discount on entries: COAST26


https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-races/


**SPECIAL OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES: 

Use this Special Coupon Code : COAST26

 

*We would advise all potential entrants however, to register asap as they are all currently running away due to the special offers and the enthusiasm of individuals...


*The Chocolate 10k:

https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-challenges/10k-virtual-races/chocolate-10k-2024/


*The Chicken Run:

https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-challenges/all-virtual-running-challenges/chicken-run/


*The World Cup:

https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-challenges/all-virtual-running-challenges/world-cup-2026-run/


*The May Day Mile:

https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-challenges/all-virtual-running-challenges/may-day-mile/


*The Oktoberfest 10k:

https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-challenges/all-virtual-running-challenges/oktoberfest-10k-virtual-race/



HOW VIRTUAL RACES WORK

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.

    https://the-running-bug.com/virtual-races/


    **SPECIAL OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES: 

    Use this Special Coupon Code : COAST26

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 BEFORE their race. 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 – .

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  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  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

BenefitWhat It Means for You
Total FlexibilityRun on your schedule, your route, your pace.
Inclusive & SupportiveBeginner or veteran — everyone’s welcome.
Minimal HassleNo travel, no event-day stress.
Motivation & AccountabilityGoals + community = better consistency.
Tangible RewardsMedals, recognition, a sense of achievement.
Budget & Eco FriendlyNo travel costs, lower carbon footprint.
Don Hale is a former award winning investigative journalist and now a best-selling author who has created a very popular blog post linked to numerous social media sites. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025.

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