Launched on the 1st of April, the Ironman VC (Virtual Club) series has taken the world of athletes by storm. On the 3rd of April, the VC event team conducted a virtual racing series in which about 11,000 athletes from over 115 countries registered.
The goal is to promote athletic wellbeing during this time of crisis. With the response, this virtual racing series has received, its clear that COVID-19 has not managed to kill the fitness spirit.
Something For All Walks of Life
Ironman Virtual Club is available for all to join, whether you are 18 or 73, a professional or a newbie. Challenges for all fitness levels are available. For example, in the Ironman VR game (VR1) league, amateur competitors were required to compete in a 5 km run, 90 km bike race, and a 21 km run, over a period of 3 days.
They had to do this with all the appropriate gear. This included an approved fitness tracker that could monitor heart rate, pulse, etc. The professionals, including former Ironman world champions, we’re treated to a much harder task.
These athletes had to compete indoors in a virtual Ironman 70.3 boulder bike course. They did this by using an indoor cycling system provided by Rouvy. Among the winners were Jocelyn McCauley and two-time Ironman world champion Patrick Lange. They won gold in the women’s and men’s divisions respectively.
The participating athletes maintained their composure talking about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives. Angela Naeth, a QR professional athlete, had this to say, “For me, it means staying active, being part of the community – online, writing, coaching remotely and getting busy with engagement”.
From Anything is Possible to Anywhere is Possible
Due to this virus, Ironman VC series took their strapline Anything is Possible and changed it to Anywhere is Possible. True to their word, this new Virtual Racing series has made it possible for athletes to join in from anywhere in the world.
The main agenda of this virtual club to continue to build their community and competition virtually. This includes a global racing series, weekly pro challenges, and other activity-based loyalty programs. Ironman additionally allows competitors to complete the segments non-consecutively.
Competition and Training
For both amateur and professional athletes, healthy competition is key. It keeps them active and that is what the Ironman VC series strives to achieve. Athletes can compete from anywhere in the world, at any time of the day. The format and the distances of each challenge vary with the type of athletes involved.
Amateur races being each Friday at 2 p.m. ET and close 3 days later on a Sunday, at 8 p.m. Additionally, there are recurring pro challenges for men and women. The professional athletes compete for prize money.
Competition although maybe a major part of the Ironman VC series, training is given equal importance. To help keep its athletes in top shape, they are giving away loyalty points. These are designed to motivate athletes to stick to their training sessions and workouts.
The current health crisis requires an active mind. Thus to motivate them further, athletes are also rewarded with merchandise, discounts, and benefits.
Going Social
The Ironman VC has also taken to social media to promote the fitness bug. Their Facebook page for example now broadcasts all events, providing live race coverage.
This method has proved effective. According to Facebook, the number of live viewers on their platform, in the US alone, increased by 50% in the past month. Further, nearly 1.3 million Facebook users follow their page.
With so many views the impact is definite. The Ironman VC series brand has managed to influence people for the good. It seems as though their goal of empowering well being is being accomplished.
