Frequently Asked Questions
What is a virtual run?
A virtual run is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, in the park, on the treadmill or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.@
You will need to keep track of your run/walk through a GPS application. We recommend using ASICS Runkeeper™️ which is free and can be downloaded from any app store (click here). Please note that you only need the free version of ASICS Runkeeper™️ (the upgrade to ASICS Runkeeper™️ Pro is not required and is optional).
When is the Tohoku Food & Festival 2021's Virtual Marathon?
You can complete your race at any time or date between 24 April and 5 May.
How much does it cost to register?
All events are 2,500 yen of charge.
I don’t live in Japan, can I still enter?
Yes of course, you can run this race from anywhere in the world. Please note the date and time differences to ensure that you log a result prior to the cut off of 11.59pm JST on 5 May 2021.
Can I enter more than one race distance?
No, you can't. If entries to multiple events are confirmed, all entries will be disqualified. In this case, the entry fee will not be refunded.
Can I complete my race distance over multiple runs?
No, you will need to complete the race in one attempt (one continuous effort).
How do I complete the virtual race and upload my result?
You will need to keep track of your run/walk through a GPS application. We recommend using ASICS Runkeeper™️ which is free and can be downloaded from any app store (iOS or ANDROID). Please note that you only need the free version of ASICS Runkeeper™️ (the upgrade to ASICS Runkeeper™️ Pro is not required and is optional).
There are three options to complete your virtual race and upload your result – check out our detailed ‘How to Run & Upload Result’ information here.
Will I receive a race bib?
You are welcome to download your race bib (coming soon), edit the fields for your name/nickname and emergency contact details then print and wear your virtual race bib when completing your run.
Do I have to wear the race bib?
No, this is completely optional.
When do I complete my race?
You can complete your race at any time or date between 24 April and 5 May.
Once you have completed and saved your race within the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app, you are not able to re-do this race.
However, if you are not happy with your time or you want to have another attempt at improving your time (or place), you are able to complete another run and save this activity in the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app and then take a screenshot of your new race result (or screenshot from your other running app or photo of your result on your GPS watch) and manually upload this result directly on the results page (click here) to override your previous one! That’s right, you can continue to update your time right up until the race cut-off at 11:59pm JST 5 May, 2021! Just make sure the last run/walk you submit is your best as each time you submit a new result, your old one will be removed!
Where do I run my race?
A virtual race can be run or walked anywhere, at a location of your own choosing in your local park, on your favorite trail or around your local neighborhood loop (or even on a treadmill if you like). Please ensure that you are following government guidelines in your country, state or local government area for COVID-19 when choosing your running location.
To keep the playing field level for all participants please keep these two rules in mind when planning your course route:
- A maximum permitted net drop (decrease in elevation) of 1m/km is permitted over the course distance. Sorry, you can’t just run down a steep hill!
- The finish location must not exceed more than 50% from the finish line (as a crow flies) of the total distance run i.e. if you run 5km the finish cannot be more than 2.5 km away from the start. Out-and-back or loop courses are encouraged.
Can I complete in a wheelchair?
Yes absolutely, all events have been set up for wheelchair entrants too - in both racing wheelchairs and day chairs. Please select the wheelchair race options when submitting your registration.
Can I complete my event on a treadmill?
No, you can't. You can run and walk by yourself only.
Is there a time limit / cut off for any distance?
There are no time limits in which to complete your chosen race, you can finish your chosen distance at your own pace. (as long as it is submitted by 11:59 p.m. JST May 5, 2021)
Please note: the usual cut off times are enforced so roads can be reopened to the public in accordance with event permits and therefore in this case do not apply.
Can I complete my run with other runners?
Yes you can but please ensure that you are following government guidelines in your country, state or local government area for COVID-19 when choosing who (and how many) to run with.
Can we enter as a team?
No, You can run by yourself.
Can I change my race distance?
We don't accept changes in the event after application. Please carefully consider when applying and selecting an event.
Are there any completion certificates?
Upon completion of your race, and once you have uploaded your results you will automatically have access to your completion certificate which is available for download on the results page (click here).
Will there be awards for the winners of each event?
We will send you the Tohoku Food marathon "Ranmeshi" (delicious products from all over the Tohoku region) by lottery from those who have completed the race.
* It will be shipped after this event. Winning announcements will be replaced by the shipping of prizes.
Are there any age limits for the virtual races?
Yes there are age limits as outlined below (age as of at 1 April, 2021). The age limits are the same for the running events and the wheelchair events.
- Tohoku Food Marathon – minimum age is 15 years old
In addition, anyone under the age of 14 will not be able to create an ASICS Runkeeper™️ account. Therefore children under the age of 14 will need to use someone else's Runkeeper™️ account or simply upload their result manually.
Are there any rules associated with the virtual run?
- Each participant must run the selected race distance and record their performance using one of the official options outlined above and send proof via the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app or manually submit a screenshot/photo via your Race Roster login/confirmation to ensure it is a valid result.
- A maximum permitted net drop (decrease in elevation) of 1m/km is permitted over the course distance. Sorry, you can’t just run down a steep hill!
- The finish location must not exceed more than 50% from the finish line (as a crow flies) of the total distance run i.e. if you run 5km the finish cannot be more than 2.5 km away from the start. Out-and-back or loop courses are encouraged.
- Times for the overall top 10 by gender in each race and top 3 by age division will be ratified by virtual race officials who have discretion to seek further clarification and/or remove a participants’ result if they feel someone has not covered the entire race distance or followed the outlined procedure.
How do you know that runners have completed the correct distance and recorded a correct time?
Results are supplied on an honesty system. We trust that you have completed the distance chosen for your run/walk or wheelchair race in one continuous effort and uploaded your total elapsed time (the same as a regular race), not just your moving time (the clock doesn't stop in a race when you need to stop for a toilet break or a little stretch!).
Times for the overall top 10 by gender in each race and top 3 by age division will be ratified by virtual race officials who have discretion to seek further clarification and/or remove a participant’s result if they feel someone has not covered the entire race distance or followed the outlined procedure.
How can I manage to run a marathon on my own?
Please do not attempt to run 42.195km unless you have done adequate training and you are thoroughly physically and mentally prepared. Do not attempt to run if you feel sick or have any flu-like symptoms. Please ensure that you set your course to ensure you have access to adequate nutrition (either carrying or able to collect at regular intervals) and a form of communication you need support along the way.
Suggestions
- Set up a 5.275km or 10.55km loop circuit that passes by your house (or car) so you can have a drink bottle, gels and other supplies available at regular intervals during your run
- Invite family and friends to be at certain points along the way to provide you with support and have drink bottles at the ready
- Ensure that you tell a family member or friend your planned route and approximate running time
- Carry your phone with you
I have registered but haven't received my confirmation email. What should I do now?
In the first instance please check your junk/spam box for your confirmation email. If it isn't there please email support@raceroster.com. and we will check your registration status for you.
I have accidentally deleted the instruction email with the link to add my virtual race to the Runkeeper app. What should I do now?
Don't worry! You can also find the unique link to add each race to your Runkeeper™️ app on your participant dashboard (here). You must click on the unique link from your mobile device. Please note that if you have registered for one of the event bundles you'll have links to each different race (e.g. Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Virtual Marathon, ASICS Virtual Half Marathon etc) so make sure you add each of them into your Runkeeper™️ app and then select the one you want to run on that particular day! Also, make sure you check out our detailed ‘How to Run & Upload Result’ information here.
If you have any trouble signing into your Race Registration, please contact support@raceroster.com