KUALA LUMPUR – As people become more reliant on digital tools to stay healthy, virtual events have shaped the future of fitness by helping more enthusiasts remain active in this pandemic-riddled age.
Despite outdoor activities being allowed during the pandemic, a virtual race seems like the best way for people to stay fit and active because when it comes to competitive running, mass participation sporting events, such as marathons and fun-runs, is still prohibited.
Dancer, actress and model, Dhurgaashini Vijyan, who enjoys the active lifestyle said: “I have been joining virtual races because I was looking for a way to keep myself active and healthy during this pandemic season.
“With virtual races, I can keep up my stamina, stay active and maintain my body weight, plus I feel so complete after each run.
“Yet, what motivates me more (to participate) is the variety of jerseys and medals available,” the 26-year-old added.
Meanwhile, SEA Games medallist, Muhaizar Bin Mohamad, who has participated in more than 15 virtual races, does it because he enjoys collecting the merchandise.
“I like joining virtual races. The organisers make it easy to register and they (always) offer exciting merchandise, like a finisher t-shirt and medal,” the 36-year-old runner said.
According to JomRun founder and managing director, Chang Yi Hern, the best thing about a virtual run is “it brings runners closer together, no matter where they are, physically.
“All you need to do is sync your fitness tracker to a running app, and you are good to go. (In a virtual race) Participants can choose between a range of distances,” Chang said.
Chang added that there are other benefits to virtual runs.
“Participating in virtual runs improves your cardiovascular health, strengthens your bones and helps you lose weight.
“It also helps your body relieve stress, which makes you sleep better, therefore improving your mental health.
JomRun is Southeast Asia’s leading running app. Established in 2018, it encourages people to lead healthy and active lifestyles by rewarding users on the overall distance covered by walking or running.
JomRun has recently launched a series of virtual fun runs in partnership with Nickelodeon and Animation International from September 2021 until February 2022, incorporating themes revolving around popular cartoon characters, such as Garfield, Crayon Shinchan and Spongebob Squarepants.
Registration for these runs is currently open and early-bird signups can enjoy discounts of up to 50%.
Runners can choose a range of distances − between a 5km run to a 21km half marathon − as well as the option of running in short periods to make up the distance.
They are also allowed to complete the mission by incorporating a step counter, treadmill, or other cardio exercises, such as jogging in place or even jumping ropes.
Chang also said that by joining a virtual run, the participant is allowed to complete the run anywhere and anytime within the stipulated timeframe.
“As the government has allowed outdoor activities, participants can choose to complete the race by running on an indoor treadmill or by venturing out to their respective neighbourhood or nearby park,” said Chang, adding that the event could motivate people to stay fit and active.
Since the pandemic, JomRun has organised more than 300 virtual runs in the region, attracting more than 350,000 runners from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia.
The total accumulated distance covered by users is more than 5 mil km.
Discover more about these virtual runs at https://www.jomrun.com/ − The Vibes, October 7, 2021
