Three Can't Miss Charity Virtual Races Including A Free Entry To One Of Them!

Supporting a charity + Completing a fun physical activity (like a 5k) = One Happy Dani :)

I love when I have the opportunity to support my friends and worthy causes by taking part in a virtual race. I do something for someone else by donating to a worthy cause and I do something for me by getting out and celebrating my ability to move. 

How could you not love that combo?

But first I should ask: do you know what a virtual race is?

A virtual race means you are in control of:

^ when you complete the assigned distance: some timetables are set by the organizer, but you decide if it will be all at once or spread out over a few days
^ where you set the course: inside/outside, 
^ how you do the race: run, walk, run/walk, bike, swim, elliptical ... combo
^ who joins you: invite friends, pets, online support

What races provide for your donation differs from each one. Some will have a Finisher's Medal, a race bib (either physical one or an electronic version you can print), 

Now I have hosted seven virtual races myself in honor of Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association so I think it is safe to say I love a good virtual race. ;)

So I thought it would be nice to share three that I am currently supporting and getting ready to participate in! It would be great if you would join me in one, two or all three of them. But make sure you read all the way to the end - there may be a free entry along the way! :)


I'm hosting my eighth virtual race in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents and my father-in-law. Welcome to The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 4th Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble! :)

I'm excited to announce that this race will put my 3-year fundraising total over $25,000! Ah-may-zing!!

Note: The race JUST sold out, but Pavement Runner will be giving away a free entry so keep an eye out on his Twitter account!


Today is an emotional day in our country. To honor those who lost their lives and to support those who lost family members and friends, I am taking part in the Run 9/11 event!

There are two virtual options available (both $30 donation):

^ Run 9/11 Challenge: 20 miles. 2 Days. 1 Cause. Run Nine/Eleven is a challenge to run nine miles on day one and 11 miles on day two. 

^ Run Freedom 5k: The Run Nine/Eleven Freedom 5k continues a tradition started by American military bases around the world that run/walk a 5k on the anniversary of 9/11. 

Both options begin TODAY and are open through the end of the month.

100% of proceeds from this event go to Operation: Care and Comfort

For this virtual race, the entire distance must be done at once. So if you are not ready to run/walk 9 or 11 miles, I would recommend signing up for the 5k. 

You will submit your proof of time on the website once you have completed your race. Be sure to use #run911 in all of your social media posts about the event.

Medals will be mailed out the week race registration concludes (end of the month) and can take up to 2-3 weeks via USPS standard shipping methods. So look for your mid to late October.

Interested in signing up? You can register HERE. Use discount code PAVEY5 for $5 off registration. Registration closes September 30.


When my friend Shannyn told me she would be kicking off a virtual run in honor of Pug Rescue and showed me the bling. I was IN!

How freakin' adorable?

Shannyn hosted the inaugural pug run last year and the medal was too cute to pass up.

100% of the proceeds from The Virtual Pug Run benefit the Northern Illinois Pug Rescue! I had no idea it costs thousands of dollars to get a rescued pub rehabilitated and adopted. The NIPR absorbs most of those costs.

So if you are interested in supporting these adorable pugs, please choose your distance (1 mile, 5k or 10k) and register HERE ($28 donation). Registration closes October 1.

Shannyn has been gracious enough to offer one reader a free entry. Even if you have already registered, she will refund your money OR you can use the free entry to sign a friend up! Hello built in virtual race buddy. ;)

Entry details are simple. Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to all and a winner will be chosen on my birthday, September 16 (Wednesday)!! 

Get to enterin' my friends!


There you have it. The three hottest virtual races on the market. Which one will you sign up for?