New York, April 5, 2019 – Now in its second year, New York Road Runners’ Virtual Racing Series Powered by Strava has surpassed 40,000 finishers and will be increasing its offerings to 12 virtual races in 2019.

The NYRR Virtual Racing Series, launched in beta together with Strava at the start of 2018, allows runners anywhere in the world to run a race at their convenience and location of their choice during a specified period of time. Since launching, the NYRR Virtual Racing Series has seen 42,445 finishers from over 100 countries ranging in age from 18 to 99. Proceeds from the virtual races support NYRR’s mission to help and inspire people through running, and benefit NYRR’s youth and community programs.

“New York Road Runners is already on the ground in New York almost every week of the year getting people moving, so the NYRR Virtual Racing Series has proven to be a fantastic initiative to expand our footprint and impact further with those around the world,” said NYRR president and CEO Michael Capiraso. “From Olympians Meb Keflezighi, Jenny Simpson and Des Linden to beginner runners looking to get involved with New York Road Runners for the first time, the NYRR Virtual Racing Series has drawn in runners of all ages and abilities around the world and is paving the way for the future of our sport. Being part of a virtual community with other runners around the world gives them motivation and challenges them to set new goals and go out and achieve them.”

“As the single biggest sports participation platform in the world with over 40 million athletes, we’re thrilled to partner with NYRR, the top community-driven running race organization,” said David Lorsch, VP of Business Development at Strava. “We know people keep people active, and virtual racing on Strava allows athletes from around the world to compete together.”

Last year, there were 10 races in the NYRR Virtual Racing Series, including the TCS New York City Marathon – Virtual 26.2M which had 424 finishers from 26 countries and 39 states, ranging in age from 21 to 67.  Spots were available at a first-come, first-served basis, with registration filling up in seven hours. Those who ran the virtual marathon received guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon.

Registration opens today for the next three NYRR Virtual Races: NYRR Virtual Dog Jog 5K (May 1-12), NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M (June 1-9), and NYRR Virtual Pride Run 5K (June 22-30). Finishers for the NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M will be entered for a chance to win a round-trip flight on United Airlines to fly (and run) anywhere in the world and for hotel accommodations during the trip.

When registering for any of the three races, runners can choose to purchase a virtual race for credit toward the NYRR Virtual 6 Program. Participants who complete six NYRR Virtual Races during the year are eligible to receive one non-complimentary entry to the Popular Brooklyn Half the following year.

Keflezighi, a four-time Olympian and 2009 New York City Marathon champion, completed the Virtual 6 program last year and will be taking part in the Popular Brooklyn Half on May 18. Those who register for the Virtual 6 race credit between April 5-12 for one of the virtual races that open today will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a free copy of Keflezighi’s new memoir, 26 Marathons.

For more information on the NYRR Virtual Racing Series, please visit www.nyrr.org/run/virtualracing.