For me the word “Race” is more about getting together with a ton of people and having a fun day. It’s an event. It’s a new shirt to wear, and a gift bag full of granola bars and fruit snacks. I am NEVER concerned about my starting wave, my split time, my pace, or my finishing time. I don’t know my PB because I don’t pay attention to times. So for me- it makes no sense to sign up for virtual races in lieu of the “real thing”. I have no interest in measuring my performance against other runners.
BUT- if your competitive juices start to flow at the thought of a good race, and you are meticulously tracking your improvement in pace and speed, then you should do it! Sign up. You will definitely get the chance to compete against others, and a race is always a great way to put a deadline on one of your running goals.
If you’re into the virtual race thing… please tell me… what am I missing?