#Virtual race medal

[virtualrunevents1]

Moon Joggers Virtual Races

If you’re a runner who dreams of big achievements or someone who finds inspiration in the cosmos, Moon Joggers Virtual Races offers a thrilling and celestial way to meet your fitness goals. Originally founded to challenge people to collectively run the distance to the moon, Moon Joggers now offers themed virtual races inspired by the planets, stars, and all things celestial.

[scotianostra]

Scottish swimmer David Wilkie was born on March 8th in 1954, in Sri Lanka.

The second instance today about what makes you Scottish and to me David Wilkie epitomises what it means his own words spoken during his time in the USA.

“I will always remain Scottish, no matter what happens, even though my accent changes, even though I live in this country, I still maintain I am Scottish.” it speaks volumes.

As a child he would stay in the pool for hours on end or go to the beach and swim in the sea. He returned to Scotland to attend boarding school at Daniel Stewart’s College in Edinburgh. His time in Edinburgh brought him to the Warrender Club. Warrender was, at that time, famous for developing young swimmers.

Wilkie’s attitude could have brought his fledgling career to an early end. He struggled to get out of his bed to make the early morning training sessions, Bbt, when Wilkie was only 12, the club’s coach Frank Thomas spotted something in him, although it was not until 1970 that the promising swimmer began to shine.

Between 1969, when he won the Scottish Junior title, and 1970, when he won bronze at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, Wilkie shaved 30 seconds off his time in the 200m breaststroke. Wilkie wore a swim cap during the Commonwealth Games, making him the first elite swimmer to wear one in a major competition. It is also said to be the first swimmer to wear both cap and goggles in order to maximise the streamline effect within the water.

It was his performance at the 1972 Munich Olympics, when the 18-year old came from virtually nowhere to take a bronze medal, that he began to really show what his real potential. The performance won him more than an Olympic medal. The University of Miami, who had been monitoring his progress, decided to offer him a sports scholarship which enabled him to train every day whilst studying marine biology, although he soon switched to a degree in English and mass communication.

It was when at college there he said the quote from above in a BBC interview in 1976: “I will always remain Scottish, no matter what happens, even though my accent changes, even though I live in this country, I still maintain I am Scottish.”

Not surprisingly he thrived under the American scholarship system. In Miami, Wilkie trained intensively in the Olympic-sized outdoor pool daily. In the days when Olympics were still strictly for amateurs, being allowed to dedicate himself to his sport brought the best out in Wilkie.

In 1973 he went to Belgrade and won the World 200m breaststroke title, breaking the world record, and then regaining the title in 1975, while also winning in the 100m breaststroke.

At the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch in 1974 he picked up two golds and one silver and also added the European title to his collection that year. Wilkie was the only non-American to win one of the 13 gold swimming medals available at Montreal, the first British man in 68 years to do so.

On the world stage his biggest rival was the American John Hencken. The two men had an intense rivalry for all the breaststroke titles of the early ‘70s. According to the British Olympic coach Dave Haller, Hencken had the beating of him for speed because of his fast arm movements and was more suited to the sprint of the 100m, but Wilkie’s long rhythmic strokes meant he was better over the longer distance.

Honours were shared at the Montreal Olympics. Hencken beat Wilkie into second place in the breaststroke with the top three in this race all breaking the world record. Wilkie was pleased with his second place, especially as he had not prepared as thoroughly as he might by not shaving his body hair, which could cause drag under water.

Over the longer distance, Wilkie dominated, beating Hencken by metres and taking three seconds off the world record.

David retired while at the top, leaving the legacy of being Scotland’s best-ever male swimmer. I think many of you out there will have met him, he helped Scottish swimming for years, and I recall my wee sis, Sandra having her photo taken with him. Wilkie remains the only person to have held British, American, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles at the same time.

I found a great wee story about David Wilkie from a few years ago, Wilkie, then aged 61, was old off for swimming too fast at his local health club. In an 20174 interview he said he was astonished by the lifeguard informing him he was going too fast ."I was just swimming as normal in the pool, doing front crawl, and the lifeguard came up to me and said, 'I think you banged into somebody'. I said, 'it's the fast lane you know, this is rubbish'," Wilkie tore up his membership card and cancelled his membership in protest.

David Wilkie died of cancer on 22nd May 2024, at the age of 70.

[arrolyn1114]

FYI fellow Elvis fans, The Conqueror has some Elvis themed events right now! The medals are SO cool, check them out!! The little records, OMG!! I signed up for both, there's a bundle deal.

If you haven't done any of Conqueror's events these are basically just virtual races meaning you complete them in your own time at your own pace and then they mail you the finisher's medal upon completion. As you go, you unlock fun things along the way in their app where you track your progress. Any distance based activity counts: running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc. Even just your daily steps count towards it. You can connect up your Fitbit, Garmin, or other tracking watch or app and it will sync automatically every night. They also have a handy conversion tool for non distance based activities like yoga, gym workouts, CrossFit, things like that.

It's a lot of fun, go check it out!!

[roylustang]

Omg last year in like October or November Strava posted the every woman’s marathon challenge to basically participate virtually by running a marathon the same weekend as this race was put on and I signed up for it bc it coincidentally fell on the weekend I had to do a marathon-length training run anyway but I didn’t think they were gonna send me a medal omg 😭😭 this is super funny tho bc now i have 2 marathon medals even though I’ve never actually raced in a real marathon (thanks covid)

[kennexara]

Tagged by @nightingalesighs, thank you <333

Last Song: uhh looks like I paused on Me First and the Gimme Gimmes' cover of Crazy for You.

Favorite Color: so like. mint green is actually my favorite color. but I don't love all shades of green like i do purple so i usually just say purple.

Last Book: I'm currently reading Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, over the weekend I finished Daisy Jones and the Six by the same author.

Last Movie: Pacific Rim!! Been meaning to do a rewatch for awhile for fanfic reasons (yes that pjo pacific rim au i started) and then it was THE day Sunday so I finally did it and enjoyed myself.

Last TV show: I currently have Frasier on as background noise, I just watched an episode I'd never seen that a friend recommended and like. I felt a lot better after watching and laughing so I put some more on.

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Sweet every time!! I think I use chocolate the same way other people use coffee or pop to help with their ADHD. Savory is fine and i like a small amount of spice - like more than my parents do but that's not saying much.

Last thing I searched online for: jedi fallen order bd-1 skins - to show discord friends my favorite (it's the bestine one for the record!)

Current Obsession: well the percy jackson brainrot is still strong, for better or for worse lol. hopefully i can actually finish some of my current wips! that's one of my goals for the year, to finish more fics.

Looking forward to: soo I started one of those conquer virtual challenges? you buy a virtual race entry and track your progress and when you finish the journey you get a medal! I decided to start with a short one and it's motivated me to get more steps in so i'm looking forward to completing it faster than I thought. and then start the scooby doo one which i'm super excited for.

no-pressure tagging: @tiltingheartand, @iridisentry, and @chubbybunny25 but also if you see this and think it looks fun consider yourself tagged!

[egittae]

half-step

dancer mastery drabble | WC: 755

“You start with your left, then your right goes sideways, a- that’s not it at all!”

“What? I started with my left like you said!”

“That’s your right foot, you dunce!”

“...does it even make a difference? You’re a quack teacher, brother! I’m going to ask Mother!”

“Ugh, do whatever. You never listen!”

“I do listen, Rufus!”

—

The incessant chatter and clinking of glasses did well to lull him into a sleepy state. Bored out of his mind, his enjoyment of the party ran out a handful of minutes after the first dances were concluded. As the Crown Prince of Faerghus it was almost mandatory for him to make himself present and accept the hands of some pink-cheeked girls for a waltz, getting lost into the mix and mash of their clashing personal spaces as they moved with the flow of the ballroom not unlike a school of fish lazily swimming by. The box step was automatic on his feet, knowledge essentially drilled into his brain out of the need to keep the appearance of a good prince. It wouldn’t do him good to be crowned king and not know how to dance a basic waltz.

By now, Lambert barely made any mistakes. At most his feet dragged a bit too far, the step a little too wide for his pair to follow, but he’d correct it quickly with a twirl so the girl would pay less attention to the mistake and more on his eyes. A charmer he wasn’t, but he knew how to use them if necessary. A song and dance that by now had successfully become part of his self.

One that was just so, so dull.

As soon as one dance was over, another began. A constant influx of partners, many of which he could barely memorize the faces of- not out of disdain, but simply because his heart wasn’t in it. Lambert had never been a fan of balls, and the Academy’s Ethereal Ball was no different because at their core they were virtually all the same. Busting with energy at the beginning, tables filled with all sorts of snacks and tasty quick meals and drinks, some simple entertainment gimmicks to create fun memories, and lots of dancing. A core made for networking and the idea of ‘having a good time’, celebration spent standing still with a flute of champagne on his hands, making small talk since proper conversations couldn’t exactly be held in a room full of people like that.

Lambert escaped as soon as the dance was over with, his cue being the minute of silence as the band prepared their next song.

The waltz he knew was different from the waltz he liked.

The waltz he knew was for polished marble floors and gleaming ballrooms, steps gentle and elegant in tandem with whoever his arms held as melody merged with party chatter and clinking cutlery. It was for shining boots and silk and velvet, glittering medals hanging from his shirt and a proud untouched blue cape hanging from his shoulder though never reaching below his knees so as to not drag on the floor. It was longing gazes, some filled with warmth, others with lukewarm neutrality and a slather of varnish, perfume filling his nostrils and a delicate hand holding onto his that he was sure he’d never hold again- there was no need to.

The waltz he liked was sung on the clash of blades, hands gripping on leather and iron tight enough to shatter bone on thick, worn- well loved gloves. The stench of sweat and dirt and blood, his eyes never once leaving his partner as their footwork continued to take them along for the floor of the dance. Boots caked in dirt, scuffed up knees and elbows from repeated falls, the weight of armor on his body like a father’s firm hug. It was fists meeting jaw, shoulder, cheek, chest, knuckles splitting and bruises blooming. His heart racing, asking for more and more.

There was no downtime for an orchestra, only panting and he and his partner prowled, letting themselves catch their breaths before breaking into another waltz.

Lambert concluded the Ethereal Ball in the training grounds, with Rodrigue and Matthias. Their dance asked for no sickly courtesy or glamorous orchestra.

“Maybe it would do you good if you didn’t see waltz as some spar, you musclehead!”

Yeah, maybe he was one.

“Hey, what do you guys dream for the future?”

But this was the only dance Lambert knew that would allow him those opportunities.

[faejilly]

I set-up a StoryGraph account a few years ago largely because Amazon is evil (and the recent GoodReads YA thing emphasized that decision for me) BUT

The result of actually using it made me realize I only read nine books in 2022

Which would be fine if that was all I'd wanted to read but it was not

The Magpie Brain Was Killing My Fun! 😡🤬💢

So I signed up for a couple StoryGraph challenges (and completed them!) with a total goal of 26 books for 2023...

and it worked! I read THIRTY SEVEN !!Actual Books! (Ok mostly novellas so don't look at the word count but anyway! Still a yay!)🎇🎉🤩

I beat the Magpie Brain ™️ by distracting it with *graphs* 📈 🤣 and the little fire emoji I get on my home page for a reading streak 🔥

So for 2024 my goal is 52 books!

(And also to try and actually talk about books more, but I haven't decided how to make that a qualitative goal yet. Suggestions?)

The other mental (& physical) health thing I've been trying to pay more attention to is a virtual race app... as in I put my daily steps in and it tells me how far I got on Easter Island or across the Ukraine or something depending on what I signed up for

(it's pretty effective! I have twenty medals scattered around the house from the past few years! but sometimes I'd do three "races" in a row and walk all over the place and then do nothing for a month besides be a potato, so it was very inconsistent)

Thus I made my goal for the whole of 2023 to be 730 miles, so I'd average out walking two miles a day regardless of when I did which race.

And I MADE IT! (On Dec 29th! 😅 I had a whole two days to spare!)

So this year I am progressing up to a *three* mile a day average. WHICH IS 1,095 MILES. 👀

(Technically it's 1,098mi because 2024 is a leap year, but I'm giving myself a grace day and also a nicer number.)

So those are both things I'm going to try and talk more about on here this year! Whee! Books & Walking! Sounds pretty good, tbqh. 💚💚💚

But also I don't want to overdo it so today specifically all I did was play Garden Story while the husband played God of War (Ragnarok) 🤣🤣🤣

[talesofsorrowandofruin]

The Unfortunate Moth Side-story

@mrbexwrites This is entirely thanks to your tags. Result: a completely cracky, not remotely canon side-story about Phil, Yo-han and Leo as time-travellers, feat. a good dose of black comedy. The title is a quote from Top Cat.

(If you can understand all these historical references you get a virtual high five. If you understand all these references without Google you get a virtual medal.)

This Meeting is Now in Recession; or, The Time-Travelling Adventures of Ophelia Patton and Friends

"The twelfth first annual meeting of the Time-Travellers' Association is now in session!" Phil shouted.

She raised the hammer and brought it down on the table with a resounding crash. It still didn't stop the other two bickering. She waited. And waited. And waited.

"...And that's why you're responsible for the Eiffel tower," Yo-han finished.

Leopold glared at him. "It's not my fault I got my years mixed up! And when I asked where the tower was, how was I to know the random guy beside me was Gustave Eiffel?"

"I'm just saying, the world could really have done without that ugly eyesore cluttering up Paris in this timeline!"

Phil hit the table again. "Come on, you two, we haven't time for this!"

Leo grinned. "You know, technically we have all the time in the world."

In unison Yo-han and Phil threw cushions at him.

When Phil first discovered her time-travelling powers (she still didn't know where they came from or how many other people had them), she'd set out to change history. First on the list was World War I. It was astonishing how many of the 20th century's horrors were ultimately a result of World War I.

It had taken her fifteen tries to succeed. Someone else had also been messing around with history, and their interference cancelled out hers. Finally she caught up with the other time-traveller: none other than Leopold Colman, who was busy using his powers to commit the perfect murder.

They'd agreed to join forces to stop the war. Then they'd discovered yet another person was meddling with history on the other side of the world. A short investigation later, and Seo Yo-han became the third member of the Time-Travellers' Association (founded 1914, goals agreed on in 1898, established to turn the 20th century into a normal century instead of a long series of bloodbaths). Their current mission: to stop the arms race that had built up tensions before WWI.

"So far saving Franz Ferdinand has just delayed the war," Leo said. "There are two problems: Kaiser Wilhelm, and the Austrian succession. If we stop Rudolf killing himself at Mayerling, Franz Ferdinand will never have a chance of being Kaiser. Anyway, Rudolf is more liberal—"

"And he murdered his girlfriend before shooting himself," Phil reminded him. "I think Austria's problems started much earlier, when Franz Joseph married Elisabeth instead of Helene."

"We can't exactly kidnap Elisabeth so she doesn't meet Franz Joseph," Leo protested. "That's going too far back."

Yo-han shook his head. "I went further back to save Joseon. All the way back to Injo, to stop him murdering his son."

"To stop him what?" Leo exclaimed, while Phil asked, "Was he the one who locked his son in a rice box?"

"No, that was Yeongjo," Yo-han said, while Leo repeated, "What?"

Phil returned to the Austrian question. "You know, if we swapped Rudolf and Wilhelm as babies, everyone would be happier. Wilhelm wouldn't be envious of his relatives, Franz Joseph would have a son he liked, Victoria would have a son she liked..."

Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't be stupid. That would never work."

Phil gave him a Look. "Remind me of your last plan."

Leo winced. Yo-han also gave him a Look.

"Was that the Titanic fiasco?" he asked.

Leo nodded sheepishly. "That plan worked! I kept it far away from the iceberg!"

"It blocked the Suez canal for a week."

Leo nodded again, more emphatically this time. "There are no icebergs in Egypt!"

Phil and Yo-han looked at each other and shrugged.

"So," Yo-han said, "will we try this... switched at birth plan?"

Phil nodded. Leo took out the notebook containing the TTA's minutes (and timelines, and accounts of failed plans) and made a note.

"Just make sure we don't go to America for a few decades," he said.

The other two gave him suspicious looks. "What happened in America?"

"I was only trying to make conversation! I thought she was just a random old lady when I asked if she liked going to the theatre. How was I to know she was Mrs. Lincoln?"

Adding Moth’s and Glass’s taglists: @akindofmagictoo, @lightgriffinsect, @original-writing, @zonnemaagd, @boldnightmarishreverbs, @oh-no-another-idea, @verba-writing, @writingpotato07, @sarahlizziewrites (Let me know if you want to be added to/removed from the taglist!)

[fallingskiesandrisingseas]

No no no this isn't mentioned often enough. That motherfucker Pearson did a SIDESLIP. In a BOEING 767 PLANE. He's pulling off a move that is used to fly GLIDERS in a BOEING plane. He's NEVER DONE ONE IN A GLIDER before then, and he nails it with all the lives of the people in his plane AS WELL AS all the people on the track that day on the line. Homeboy did something unprecendented in a 767.

And the REASON he knew how to pull this off is because he was an experienced glider pilot Aside from that miracle, the nose landing gear didn't lock into place, which meant the plane lost speed much quicker and didn't hit anyone. There were also guardrails on the track, which helped as well. Damn miracle.

That's the final boss y'all. Give him all the medals.

To end: because both engines were non-functional, the plane made virtually no sound. Imagine having a drag race, having fun, riding your bike, and then seeing an airplane come at you at several hundred km/h. Scaaaary

[the-running-bug]

🌍 Join the Earth Day 2025 Virtual Race and Make a Difference! 🌍

This Earth Day, 22nd April 2025, let's come together to celebrate our planet and promote environmental awareness. The Running Bug invites you to participate in the Earth Day 2025 Virtual Race—a unique opportunity to get active and support a vital cause. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Race Details:

Date: 22nd April 2025

Location: Anywhere—you choose the route!

Activity: Run, walk, or jog

Distances: 1k, 5k, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon, or full marathon

Why Participate?

By joining this virtual race, you'll not only boost your fitness but also raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. Plus, every participant receives a beautifully designed medal as a token of appreciation for your commitment.

the-running-bug.com

How It Works:

Sign Up: Register for the race on The Running Bug's website.

Choose Your Distance: Select a distance that challenges you.

Complete the Race: On 22nd April, run, walk, or jog your chosen distance at your preferred location.

Submit Your Evidence: After completing the race, submit your activity evidence through the website.

Receive Your Medal: Celebrate your achievement with a bespoke Earth Day 2025 medal.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Don't miss this chance to be part of a global movement. Lace up your trainers, hit the road, and show your love for Mother Earth. 🌿

Sign Up Now: Earth Day 2025 Virtual Race

Let's Run for a Greener Future! 🌱

#EarthDay2025 #VirtualRace #RunForThePlanet #TheRunningBug #EcoWarrior #FitnessForACause #rungreen

[virtualrunevents1]

Step Into the Cosmos: Earn Medals with Moon Joggers Virtual Races

If you’re a runner who dreams of big achievements or someone who finds inspiration in the cosmos, Moon Joggers Virtual Races by Virtual Run Events offers a thrilling and celestial way to meet your fitness goals. Moon Joggers combines the adventure of virtual racing with the allure of space, allowing participants to “race to the moon” and beyond—all while earning medals that represent each step of your journey. Here’s how you can join Moon Joggers, immerse yourself in their cosmic challenges, and stay motivated with every step.

What is Moon Joggers?

Moon Joggers is a global community for runners and walkers with a fascination for space. Originally founded to challenge people to collectively run the distance to the moon, Moon Joggers now offers themed virtual races inspired by the planets, stars, and all things celestial. Through these challenges, runners can track their miles over time and earn medals that represent milestones like running the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference or reaching the "moon."

Virtual Run Events offers Moon Joggers races in various distances, from 5Ks and 10Ks to marathon challenges, so participants of all fitness levels can find a suitable distance. Whether you’re training for a major race or looking for a fun way to add structure to your walking routine, Moon Joggers has a race for you.

How to Join a Moon Joggers Virtual Race

1. Pick Your Race and Distance

Start by exploring the races offered by Moon Joggers on Virtual Run Events. Each race has a theme, often tied to celestial bodies or space missions, and offers varying distances. Some popular options include:

Planetary Runs: Cover different distances that correspond to celestial themes like the “Mars Marathon” or “Jupiter Jog.”

Seasonal Challenges: Events like “Lunar New Year 5K” or “Cosmic Summer Challenge” keep things fresh and exciting.

Long-Term Goals: Races like the “Race to the Moon” let you log miles over time, providing a motivating long-term challenge.

Select the distance that aligns with your fitness goals, and register on the Virtual Run Events platform.

2. Track Your Progress

Once you’re registered, it’s time to hit the ground running (or walking). Tracking your miles can be done via GPS apps like Strava, MapMyRun, or your fitness watch. Moon Joggers allows you to complete your race at any pace and location, whether you’re running through a city park or logging miles on a treadmill.

For longer-term challenges, set weekly or monthly goals to stay on track. You can log your results on the Virtual Run Events website to track progress towards earning your medal.

Earn Unique Finisher Medals and Collectible Achievements

One of the biggest draws of Moon Joggers races is the collectible finisher medals. Each medal is custom-designed to represent the cosmic theme of the race. Participants often find that earning these medals provides motivation and a tangible reward for their hard work.

With every Moon Joggers challenge, you’ll add a new medal to your collection, symbolizing each milestone in your fitness journey. The medals feature intricate designs with space themes like stars, planets, and rockets, making them both an accomplishment and a unique keepsake.

Benefits of Joining Moon Joggers Virtual Races

1. Flexible and Accessible for All Levels Whether you’re an avid runner or a beginner, Moon Joggers offers races that fit your needs. The flexibility of virtual races means you can participate at any time and place, allowing you to prioritize fitness on your schedule.

2. A Global Community with a Shared Passion Moon Joggers connects a worldwide community of fitness enthusiasts who are also captivated by space and cosmic themes. By joining a race, you’re also joining a community. Many participants share their progress on social media, using hashtags and groups to encourage one another and share their stories.

3. Unique, Themed Challenges Keep You Motivated Running with a goal in mind is a great motivator, and Moon Joggers themes add an extra layer of excitement. Whether you’re aiming to reach Mars or circle the Earth, the cosmic aspect of each challenge brings fun to every mile.

4. Support Charitable Causes Many Moon Joggers races also support charitable organizations. By participating, you’re not only working towards your fitness goals but contributing to worthy causes that benefit communities in need.

How to Make the Most of Your Moon Joggers Experience

To fully enjoy your Moon Joggers journey, try some of these tips:

Set a Regular Walking or Running Schedule: Make it a habit to walk or run several times a week, setting mini-goals to keep you moving consistently.

Share Your Progress: Snap photos during your runs and share them on social media. Tagging Moon Joggers and using popular race hashtags can connect you with others and keep you motivated.

Create a Medal Display: Once you start collecting medals, consider setting up a dedicated space to display them. Each medal represents a completed journey and serves as a reminder of your accomplishments.

Invite Friends and Family: Get loved ones involved by inviting them to join the next Moon Joggers challenge. Training with friends adds fun to the experience, and having a partner keeps you accountable.

Conclusion

Moon Joggers Virtual Races offer a unique blend of fitness, community, and space-themed excitement that’s perfect for runners and walkers of all backgrounds. With the freedom to complete challenges at your own pace and the reward of earning beautiful, themed medals, each race becomes a memorable milestone.

So why not lace up, look up, and start your cosmic journey with Moon Joggers? Set your sights on the stars, log those miles, and earn your place in the Moon Joggers galaxy. The cosmos awaits!

[scotianostra]

On July 24th 1976 David Wilkie won Olympic 200 metres breaststroke.

On July 24 1976 arguably one of Scotland's best loved sportsmen David Wilkie won Olympic 200 metres breaststroke in Montreal.

Now I have a wee argument before about what makes you Scottish and to me David Wilkie epitomises what it means in his own words

"I will always remain Scottish, no matter what happens, even though my accent changes, even though I might not live in this country, I still maintain I am Scottish." it speaks volumes.

Born in 1954, Wilkie spent his first 11 years in Sri Lanka.

As a child he would stay in the pool for hours on end or go to the beach and swim in the sea. He returned to Scotland to attend boarding school at Daniel Stewart's College in Edinburgh. His time in Edinburgh brought him to the Warrender Club. Warrender was, at that time, famous for developing young swimmers.

Wilkie's attitude could have brought his fledgling career to an early end. He struggled to get out of his bed to make the early morning training sessions.

But, when Wilkie was only 12, the club's coach Frank Thomas spotted something in him, although it was not until 1970 that the promising swimmer began to shine.

Between 1969, when he won the Scottish Junior title, and 1970, when he won bronze at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, he shaved 30 seconds off his time in the 200m breaststroke. Wilkie wore a swim cap during the Commonwealth Games, making him the first elite swimmer to wear one in a major competition.

He was said to be the first swimmer to wear both cap and goggles in order to maximise the streamline effect within the water.

It was his performance at the 1972 Munich Olympics, when the 18-year old came from virtually nowhere to take a bronze medal, that he began to really show what his real potential. The performance won him more than an Olympic medal.

The University of Miami, who had been monitoring his progress, decided to offer him a sports scholarship which enabled him to train every day whilst studying marine biology, although he soon switched to a degree in English and mass communication.

Not surprisingly he thrived under the American scholarship system. In Miami, Wilkie trained intensively in the Olympic-sized outdoor pool daily.

In the days when Olympics were still strictly for amateurs, being allowed to dedicate himself to his sport brought the best out in Wilkie.

In 1973 he went to Belgrade and won the World 200m breaststroke title, breaking the world record, and then regaining the title in 1975, while also winning in the 100m breaststroke.

At the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch in 1974 he picked up two golds and one silver and also added the European title to his collection that year. Wilkie was the only non-American to win one of the 13 gold swimming medals available at Montreal, the first British man in 68 years to do so.

On the world stage his biggest rival was the American John Hencken. The two men had an intense rivalry for all the breaststroke titles of the early '70s.

According to the British Olympic coach Dave Haller, Hencken had the beating of him for speed because of his fast arm movements and was more suited to the sprint of the 100m, but Wilkie's long rhythmic strokes meant he was better over the longer distance.

Honours were shared at the Montreal Olympics. Hencken beat Wilkie into second place in the breaststroke with the top three in this race all breaking the world record.

Wilkie was pleased with his second place, especially as he had not prepared as thoroughly as he might by not shaving his body hair, which could cause drag under water.

Over the longer distance, Wilkie dominated, beating Hencken by metres and taking three seconds off the world record.

He retired while at the top, leaving the legacy of being Scotland's best-ever male swimmer.

[finalmajorprojectyear2kv]

Research - Time-Trial Racing

In preparation for creating my very own time-trial system I decided to look into how it is implemented in both real-life and virtual time-trial racing racing.

Isle of Man

Isle of Man TT is often regarded as one of the most dangerous and difficult races due to the nature of its course, which is 37.7 miles long and consists of 200 turns & a max elevation of 1300ft. The course is also incredibly different from purpose made tracks as it is made up of public roads which presents different road surfaces, obstacles and bridges that can propel racers' bikes into the air when driven over at speed.

In the Isle of Man the bikes are set off in ten second intervals in a number order, with there being fifty or more competitors for each class of race. The winner's for each class is simply whoever finished the four-to-six laps the fastest.

The scoring system is very simple, with the fastest time across all laps being the winner. I would like something similar for my game, however I would prefer if it was the fastest singular lap rather than the fastest of multiple laps.

Time-Trial Racing in Games

Trackmania

In Trackmania 'games have a time trial format, with medals awarded for beating set times'. The game's courses can have just a start and finish, or can choose to add checkpoints that players must go through on their route ; this is mainly used to prevent players from severely breaking the track and going unintended routes.

Although Trackmania's system works very well I feel that the use of mandatory checkpoints really limit the creativity and out-of-the-boxness that player's could do ; instead constraining them to within the course creators original intentions. So for my game I will not make checkpoints mandatory and instead incentivise players following them by giving out additional rewards, or not giving them time penalties.

I do really like Trackmania's medal system which I will most definitely take inspiration from for my game.

[runtheday-races]

Get ready for one of the most exciting Media PA running events! The Media 5 Mile Race 2025 takes runners through a USATF-certified, two-loop course winding through the beautiful residential and business areas of Media, Pennsylvania. Experience the thrill of racing through the heart of historic downtown State Street, with spectators cheering you on every step of the way.

Race Details – 5 Mile Race in Media PA

📍 Location: West State Street & Veterans Square, Media, PA, USA, 19063

🏁 Main Race Start: 7:00 PM

🎉 Awards & Street Party: Immediately after the race at Veterans Square

Kids' Free Fun Runs

👦👧 Start Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Barrall Park & Field, State & Edgemont Sts. (Across from Media Elementary)

📲 Online pre-sign-up available!

Virtual 5 Mile Race Option

Can't make it on race day? Do you prefer running on your schedule? Sign up for the Virtual 5 Mile Race and still be a part of the action!

✔️ Includes:

✅ Race T-shirt & Medal (Pick up at Media Community Center)

✅ Flexible Running Time – Complete your race anytime before race day

✅ Submit Your Results Online (Instructions provided in advance)

⚠️ Note: Virtual runners will not be eligible for overall or age group awards due to course variations.

Media 5 Mile Registration & Fees

🏃 Secure your spot early – this race sells out fast!

Registration Opens: March 1

Limited to 1,800 runners

There are no refunds, but transfers are allowed (email racedirector@media5milerace.com for transfer instructions)

👕 Race Shirts:

Guaranteed for runners registered by May 31

Available in men's and women's cuts

Want a different cut? Email RaceDirector@Media5MileRace.com to update your preference.

[game-on-boost-brand-exposure]

How to Maximize Brand Exposure at Marathon Events

In today's competitive landscape, marathon events have evolved into powerful platforms for brands seeking to maximize brand exposure, engage target audiences, and drive substantial returns on investment (ROI). As the global running community continues to grow, sports sponsorship at marathon events offers a golden opportunity to align with health-conscious, motivated, and socially engaged audiences.

With the increasing popularity of virtual marathons and half marathons, brands can now reach global audiences beyond physical race locations. By collaborating with sports organizers and leveraging innovative technologies, brands can develop comprehensive strategies that combine on-ground activations with digital engagement for maximum impact.

This comprehensive guide explores the latest sports marketing trends, actionable strategies, and key benefits of sports sponsorship at marathon events. We’ll delve into enhancing brand visibility, boosting audience engagement, embracing technology, supporting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and implementing data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Plus, discover how Promosports Seven connects brands with impactful sponsorship opportunities that deliver measurable results.

The Power of Sports Sponsorship in Marathons

Sports sponsorship has become a strategic investment for brands aiming to increase visibility, credibility, and customer loyalty. Marathons, often seen as community-driven events, attract diverse audiences—from elite athletes and amateur runners to families and corporate teams. This wide-ranging demographic offers brands a chance to communicate their message to a captive and engaged audience.

Beyond simple logo placements, modern sports sponsorship involves immersive brand experiences that resonate emotionally with participants and spectators. Brands can engage audiences through pre-race communications, on-site activations, and post-event follow-ups, ensuring continuous exposure throughout the event lifecycle. Sponsoring marathon events allows brands to:

Enhance brand visibility through various physical and digital channels.

Boost audience engagement with creative experiential marketing.

Strengthen brand credibility by associating with positive values like health, perseverance, and community spirit.

Increase sales and conversions through targeted promotions and direct consumer interactions.

For instance, Nike’s longstanding partnerships with global marathons have solidified its status in sports marketing, seamlessly blending product promotions with inspirational messaging. Brands that align themselves with marathons demonstrate a commitment to well-being, community support, and active lifestyles—qualities that resonate deeply with modern consumers.

Maximizing Brand Visibility at Marathon Events

Achieving brand visibility is at the core of every sports sponsorship strategy. Marathon events attract thousands of participants, on-site spectators, and millions more through digital platforms and media coverage. To capitalize on this exposure, brands must adopt multifaceted visibility strategies that extend before, during, and after the event.

Effective Brand Visibility Tactics:

Branded Race Materials: Placing logos on race bibs, T-shirts, and finisher medals ensures constant visibility. Every participant wearing branded gear becomes a moving advertisement, not just during the event but long after as they reuse race apparel.

On-Course Signage: Strategically placed banners, flags, and digital displays along the race route capture attention at critical moments, especially near hydration stations and mile markers.

Finish Line and Podium Branding: The finish line is the most photographed spot of the event. Sponsoring this area guarantees high-visibility in official photos, videos, and media coverage.

Digital Integration: Collaborating with sports organizers for branded content on event websites, live streams, and social media platforms significantly extends reach.

Swag Bags and Merchandise: Offering branded items like water bottles, caps, or energy bars in participant kits provides lasting brand impressions.

Example: Adidas effectively utilized multi-channel branding at the Boston Marathon, ensuring its logo appeared across digital streams, race gear, and official event photography, resulting in extensive brand visibility that extended beyond race day.

Engaging Audiences Through Experiential Marketing

While brand visibility is crucial, true impact lies in audience engagement. Marathon participants and spectators are highly receptive to brands that provide value-added experiences. By creating memorable interactions, brands can foster emotional connections that translate into customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Proven Audience Engagement Strategies:

Interactive Booths: Set up engaging stations at the race expo or finish area where participants can sample products, receive fitness assessments, or engage in fun challenges.

Social Media Campaigns: Launch interactive challenges using branded hashtags, encouraging participants to share their race journey. This not only generates user-generated content but also extends brand visibility across social networks.

Virtual Marathon Activations: For virtual marathon participants, brands can offer personalized digital race bibs, virtual goodie bags, or branded filters for social media.

Recovery and Hydration Zones: Branded recovery areas with massage stations, hydration products, and comfortable seating provide tangible value to exhausted runners.

Live Engagements: Incorporate live music, cheer squads, or motivational messages sponsored by your brand to energize participants during the race.

Example: Under Armour’s partnership with the San Francisco Marathon included an interactive expo booth featuring fitness challenges and exclusive product trials, increasing both on-site engagement and post-event brand recall.

Leveraging Technology in Sports Sponsorship

Technology has revolutionized sports sponsorship, offering brands innovative ways to engage audiences and track campaign performance. As virtual marathons and hybrid events gain traction, integrating tech-driven solutions into sponsorship strategies has become essential for enhancing reach and personalization.

Technology-Driven Sponsorship Innovations:

Virtual Platforms: Sponsor a virtual marathon platform that allows participants to track their runs, engage with branded content, and share achievements online.

Wearable Tech Integrations: Partner with smartwatch companies to deliver branded notifications or pace updates during the race.

Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: Create AR features that participants can access through their phones, adding an interactive layer to their race experience.

Data Analytics: Work with sports organizers to collect anonymized participant data for post-event marketing and audience segmentation.

Livestream Sponsorships: With many marathons live-streamed globally, placing your brand in digital broadcasts reaches a wider audience beyond physical attendees.

Example: The Tokyo Marathon’s virtual edition utilized an advanced race app sponsored by major brands, providing participants with real-time tracking, motivational messages, and digital certificates, thereby amplifying brand visibility across global markets.

Prioritizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate a commitment to positive social impact. Marathon events offer an excellent platform for showcasing corporate social responsibility (CSR) through health, environmental, and community-driven initiatives. By aligning with meaningful causes, brands can enhance their reputation and build deeper connections with consumers.

CSR-Focused Sponsorship Strategies:

Charity Partnerships: Sponsor charity-focused races or commit to donating a portion of sales to event-related causes, reinforcing a compassionate brand image.

Sustainability Efforts: Support eco-friendly race practices such as zero-waste goals, biodegradable race materials, and reusable hydration solutions.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Promote races that emphasize accessibility and inclusivity for runners of all backgrounds and abilities.

Employee Engagement: Encourage your workforce to participate as runners, volunteers, or ambassadors, showcasing a company-wide commitment to well-being.

Example: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) leveraged its sponsorship of the London Marathon to highlight sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly race kits and carbon-neutral event logistics, significantly enhancing its CSR credentials.

Practical Strategies for Measurable ROI

Investing in sports sponsorship must yield tangible benefits. To maximize ROI, brands need to implement practical, data-driven strategies that measure the effectiveness of sponsorship activities before, during, and after marathon events.

Steps to Ensure Measurable ROI:

Define Clear KPIs: Establish key metrics like social media engagement, website traffic spikes, sales conversions, and brand recall surveys.

Utilize Multi-Channel Campaigns: Combine on-ground presence with digital outreach to reinforce messaging across platforms.

Leverage Participant Data: Work with sports organizers to collect data for post-event remarketing and targeted offers.

Monitor Real-Time Analytics: Use tools that track social media mentions, hashtag usage, and audience interactions during the event.

Post-Event Follow-Ups: Send personalized thank-you emails or promotional offers to participants, enhancing brand loyalty and encouraging conversions.

Example: ASICS used data-driven approaches at the Tokyo Marathon to analyze participant feedback, sales metrics, and online engagement, refining future sponsorship strategies to improve ROI and audience satisfaction.

Building Long-Term Partnerships with Sports Organizers

While one-time sponsorships can provide immediate brand visibility, forging long-term relationships with sports organizers delivers sustained benefits. Ongoing partnerships allow brands to evolve their strategies, deepen community ties, and secure premium sponsorship opportunities over time.

Advantages of Long-Term Sponsorships:

Consistent Brand Recognition: Repeated exposure at annual events cements your brand in the minds of participants and spectators.

Tailored Activation Opportunities: Long-term sponsors often receive priority for exclusive on-site and digital activations.

Collaborative Planning: Develop integrated marketing strategies with sports organizers to align with broader event goals.

Enhanced Credibility: Long-term partnerships signal brand stability and a genuine commitment to the running community.

Example: BMW’s enduring sponsorship of the Berlin Marathon has positioned the brand as a key supporter of endurance sports, enhancing its brand prestige and global recognition.

Capitalizing on Athlete Marketing and Influencer Partnerships

Athlete endorsements and influencer collaborations are integral to successful sports marketing campaigns. Partnering with marathon runners and fitness influencers helps brands tap into engaged, trust-based audiences while reinforcing authenticity and relevance.

Effective Athlete Marketing Strategies:

Elite Athlete Sponsorships: Align your brand with top marathon performers for extensive media coverage and credibility.

Micro-Influencer Collaborations: Engage local influencers who have strong connections with niche running communities.

Training Content Co-Creation: Partner with athletes to produce branded training guides, video tutorials, or gear reviews.

Event Day Social Takeovers: Let athletes document their race experiences on your brand’s social channels for authentic, real-time engagement.

Example: HOKA ONE ONE partnered with prominent ultramarathon runners to produce training content and race-day vlogs, significantly boosting engagement among dedicated running enthusiasts.

Exploring Virtual Marathons and Hybrid Events

The rise of virtual marathons and hybrid race formats has revolutionized how brands approach sports sponsorship. Unlike traditional races confined to a physical location, these flexible models allow participants to run from anywhere in the world, significantly expanding a brand’s reach. Virtual and hybrid events also cater to diverse demographics, including those unable to attend in person, ensuring inclusivity and wider audience engagement.

Benefits of Virtual and Hybrid Sponsorships:

Expanded Audience Reach: Brands can connect with global participants, breaking geographical barriers and reaching a broader audience beyond local race attendees.

Longer Campaign Lifecycles: Promotions can begin weeks before the event, maintain momentum during the race, and extend post-event through follow-up content and offers, maximizing brand visibility over an extended period.

Personalized Digital Experiences: Brands can offer customizable digital race kits, branded virtual bibs, and digital finisher certificates, enhancing participant engagement while reinforcing brand presence.

Data-Driven Marketing: Virtual platforms enable the collection of valuable participant data, including location, performance stats, and engagement metrics. This data allows for targeted follow-up marketing and improved ROI.

Example: The New York Road Runners successfully incorporated virtual options into their marathon events. Brands sponsoring these virtual races gained global exposure while engaging participants through interactive features on official race apps, including branded progress trackers and virtual cheering zones.

Virtual and hybrid events provide innovative avenues for brands to foster meaningful connections while embracing technological advancements in sports marketing.

How Promosports Seven Connects Brands with Impactful Sponsorships

At Promosports Seven, we specialize in connecting brands with sports organizers to create impactful sports sponsorship opportunities that drive results. Our expertise spans event management, athlete marketing, and integrated digital campaigns tailored to maximize brand visibility, audience engagement, and ROI at marathons, half marathons, and virtual marathon events.

Why Partner with Promosports Seven?

Customized Sponsorship Packages: We design opportunities aligned with your brand’s unique goals and target audience.

Access to Exclusive Events: Leverage our connections to secure premium sponsorship placements.

Innovative Activation Strategies: From digital platforms to on-site experiences, we offer end-to-end solutions.

Comprehensive Data Analytics: Receive detailed post-event reports to measure campaign effectiveness.

Dedicated Account Management: Our team ensures seamless execution and maximum impact.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Brand with Marathon Sponsorships

Marathon events offer an unparalleled opportunity to maximize brand exposure, engage with highly motivated audiences, and drive measurable ROI. These events attract diverse participants and spectators, providing brands with a unique platform to connect with communities that value health, perseverance, and social responsibility. By investing in sports sponsorship, brands not only gain visibility but also build lasting emotional connections with their target audience.

To fully harness this potential, it’s essential to embrace the latest trends and technologies. Incorporating virtual marathon activations, data-driven strategies, and immersive on-ground experiences ensures your brand remains relevant and impactful. Prioritizing audience engagement through interactive campaigns and aligning with CSR initiatives further enhances your brand’s reputation and appeal.

Partnering with industry experts like Promosports Seven takes your sponsorship strategy to the next level. We offer tailored solutions that connect brands with sports organizers, enabling you to leverage premier marathon, half marathon, and hybrid events. Our comprehensive approach ensures seamless event management, innovative athlete marketing, and actionable post-event analytics to maximize returns.

Ready to amplify your brand presence at marathon events? Join forces with Promosports Seven and let us help you achieve your sports marketing goals with impactful sponsorship opportunities that leave a lasting impression on global audiences.

[healthpluser]

Chennai | Gear up for WCCG Aalam Deepam Duathlon to run, ride and take home a medal

Participants at pervious editions of the WCCG Aalam Deepam Duathlon | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement When the fourth edition of WCCG’s (Chennai Cycling Group) Aalam Deepam Duathlon took place in 2023, the city was still reeling from the grips of the pandemic. Participants who had registered for this event, raced virtually and solitarily to the whirr of their cycle chain. They sped down…