The organisers of Get Event Fit are gearing up to launch Virtuathon, a series of virtual running, cycling and triathlon challenge events to encourage people across the country to get active and kick-start 2018.
Aimed at beginners, the purpose of Virtuathon is to provide an achievable challenge with easy-to-follow daily training, education and motivation that helps participants learn how to become fitter and healthier long-term. The challenges can be completed at any location, inside or out, individually or with friends, and all finishers are rewarded with a Virtuathon medal.
To prepare for their challenge, participants are able to build their confidence through integrated training programmes delivered via the excellent Get Event Fit app. The great appeal of integrated training programmes is that they weave together related content from multiple sources such as physical activity, strength and conditioning, recovery strategies, yoga, nutrition, healthy eating, positive mindset, meditation and more, to provide the immersive education required to learn positive daily habits that will last long after the initial Virtuathon challenge is complete.
With the advent of ‘push’ technology and mobile apps like Get Event Fit, the daily delivery of such integrated training programmes has now become available to help guide, educate and motivate everyday throughout their training journey.
A perfect example of integrated training comes from Cancer Research UK’s Tough 10, a series of epic 10K runs on some of the UK’s toughest terrain. In a trial, Get Event Fit delivered various Tough 10 8-week training programmes to 235 participants who had actively requested the training online. The daily engagement levels accessing the training and motivational content through the app and online were high, with extremely positive results. In fact, of those surveyed, 97% of participants successfully completed their event, with 87% agreeing or strongly agreeing that Get Event Fit helped prepare them physically and mentally for their Tough 10. 87% agreed or strongly agreed that having the content delivered daily was more convenient than receiving it all at once via a PDF or printout, and 91% found the articles relevant and useful. An impressive 93% would request training through Get Event Fit again, and 100% would recommend Get Event Fit to family and friends.
In addition to these figures testifying to the success of the Get Event Fit training programmes, the feedback from participants has been highly positive. Comments include, “For someone new to running, I found the app absolutely vital and so very helpful. If I hadn’t followed the training programme provided I would have found the experience a lot harder. Using the app gave me confidence and I achieved my goal. I want to do more of this type of event in the future using this training app – thank you”.
Another participant agreed, “The training app and emails were perfect to keep me motivated and on track. Even if you’re not able to complete the entire training schedule every day, it allows you to jump back in and carry on! The articles were interesting and perfect in suggesting new concepts to training that I hadn’t tried before.”
For anyone considering taking on a Virtuathon challenge, there is no denying that the feedback and statistics are extremely encouraging. It means that anyone can take part, no matter their ability, and reap the benefits of improved health, fitness and wellbeing. For an extra dose of encouragement, Virtuathon is also a perfect opportunity to raise vital funds for a good cause. Whether on their own or as part of a team, participants to keep up the momentum knowing that they are making a difference to others, and all finishers are rewarded with a Virtuathon medal for their incredible achievement.
Virtuathon is available in three formats: Beginners Virtual Runathon, Workplace Virtuathon and Schools Virtuathon. In each of the formats, easy-to-follow Virtuathon training programmes are provided and daily motivation is delivered via the Get Event Fit app.
The Beginners Virtual Runathon is a virtual 5K or 10K challenge which includes comprehensive training for 8 weeks. It has been designed specifically for beginners who would like to become more active, but who don’t know where to start and need regular support and motivation. See detailed information on the Runathon training programmes here. The next Beginners Virtual Runathon takes place on the weekend of 31st March 2018: registration closes on 31st January and training starts on 5th February, so book your entry today and kick-start the new year in style!
The Workplace Virtuathon is designed to encourage an active, healthy and more motivated workforce through organised virtual running challenges. Additionally, Workplace Virtuathon training includes integrated employee wellbeing education based on the five ways of mental wellbeing in collaboration with Health@Work. An employer will provide the challenge so that all their employees can join in, especially beginners and the less active. The next organised Workplace Virtuathon challenge takes place in May, so register your organisation soon.
The third option is the School Virtuathon, which is designed to maximise staff and community participation and encourage positive lifestyle choices. This is also a great way to raise vital funds for a school or chosen charity. It can be completed anywhere and is provided by local schools for their staff, PTA and communities.
Virtuathon will be officially launched at The National Running Show, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on 20-21 January 2018. With over 19,000 runners already registered for this innovative new show, this is the perfect platform to launch the series of Virtuathon challenges in the new year.
Chris Mitchell, Managing Director of Get Event Fit, commented, “We are delighted to announce that we will shortly be launching Virtuathon, a unique series of virtual challenges for individuals, organisations and schools. Designed to encourage people from all walks of life to get active, Virtuathon is a very easy way to sign up for a challenge and receive full support from the moment you start training until the day the challenge takes place. We had great success implementing the Get Event Fit training programmes with Cancer Research UK Tough 10, and look forward to opening these up so that many more people can experience the benefit of an integrated training programme. Virtuathon offers a great range of challenges with wide appeal, and the Get Event Fit app is ready to inspire, educate and support participants every step of the way.”
Visit Virtuathon.com for further details of Virtuathon and GetEventFit.com for further details about Get Event Fit.
You can also follow Virtuathon on Twitter @virtuathon and on Facebook.com/Virtuathon.
Tickets are on sale for The National Running Show and cost £10 per person for the weekend.
