While you might be mourning the loss of your favorite annual sports event this year, the rise of virtual events is sure to keep you in the game, even from home.
As a premier city for sports events, races and even charitable sports opportunities, Columbus has embraced the chance to go virtual and, most importantly, keep the community engaged and safe during COVID-19.
From new opportunities to your annual favorites, here’s a list of virtual sports opportunities happening this summer in the city:
Virtual FORE! Miler
July 9-19
While you won’t be able to finish on the 18th Hole like previous years, the FORE! Miler will once again be held alongside the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide. This year’s race has gone virtual, allowing participants to run or walk four miles on their own any time during July 9-19, with race proceeds benefitting Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Register for the event and learn more here.
2020 Komen Columbus Virtual Race for the Cure
Aug. 1
In place of the Columbus Race for the Cure that takes over downtown each year, organizers at Susan G. Komen Columbus have taken the 2020 race virtual. On Aug. 1 participants will participated in a virtual opening ceremony and then hit the track, sidewalk or treadmill to safely complete the race. The largest Race for the Cure in the country hopes to be back to normal next year, but will still focus all fundraising on breast cancer research, care and advocacy in 2020. Learn more and register here.
The Community Cup Virtual 5K Race, presented by Village of Obetz
Aug. 1-5
The Community Cup, presented by Columbus Foundation, is in its third year of rallying Central Ohio organizations to compete in skills events, build camaraderie and promote the importance of physical fitness. Instead of serving as the official kick-off of the Community Cup, this year’s 5K Race, presented by Village of Obetz, will be held virtually and is open to anyone who wishes to run, regardless of if their team is signed up for the corporate challenge. Get more details at columbuscommunitycup.com and get to running!
Pelotonia
Aug. 7-9
Since 2008, Pelotonia has been a staple in the Columbus sports community, providing a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism that benefits life-saving cancer research. This year, the event will be reconfigured, allowing participants to define their own fundraising efforts and personal activity goals. If you’ve always wanted to contribute to the event but weren’t sure about the mileage or goals, this might be the time to get involved! Learn more at pelotonia.org.
2020 Central Ohio Virtual Heart Walk
Aug. 22
The American Heart Association’s Central Ohio Heart Walk is another event that will allow you to participate virtually while giving back to an important cause. Proceeds from the Heart Walk go toward funding lifesaving cardiovascular science. Participants can register as individuals or join an existing team, including that of Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno. Learn more, register or join Team Foligno at the event website.
OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon, Commit To Be Fit 5K
Aug. 28-30
The biggest race-day party in Columbus is going virtual! The OhioHealth Cap City Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and Commit To Be Fit 5K will now be held virtually to close out the summer. While the race is typically held in April in downtown Columbus, the OhioHealth Cap City Half Marathon postponed until August due to mass gathering safety regulations. Now, runners will get the chance to experience the race on their own time. Learn more about getting involved in the races on the event website.
We can’t wait for a summer full of virtual event opportunities! If you know of a virtual sports event not listed here, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can check out our event calendar for additional upcoming virtual and in-person sports events.