This year’s 20km de Paris race is going virtual

Runners from all over the world with a GPS tracker in a watch or smartphone will be able to participate in this year’s 20km de Paris. Image: IStock.com/Rocky89

This year’s 20 Kilomètres de Paris race, which was initially scheduled for Oct. 11, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it has been transformed into a virtual event that will enable runners wherever they are in the world to take part in the famous road race.

The principle is simple and should make this year’s race accessible to just about anyone. Participants only have to run (or walk) 20 kilometers at any location on the planet and at any time between Oct. 8 and 11, 2020. The ranking for the race will then be determined on the basis of GPS data transferred from the smartphones and smartwatches of those taking part.

Participants can register online on the 20km de Paris website. For 15 euros (or approx. P850), the registration pack includes a race bib and a digital diploma. A collector’s edition at 29 euros (or approx. P1650) also has a messenger bag, a T-shirt and a medal. Let us not forget that for every registration pack ordered, five euros (or approx. P280) will be donated to fund research, in particular COVID-19 research, at the Institut Pasteur.

Once they have registered, participants should visit the platform Running Heroes, an official partner of the event, to connect their sports watches or activity trackers. The final results will be published on Monday, Oct. 12, on the 20km de Paris website.

Runners and athletes with disabilities from all over the world are welcome to take part in the event. Children running shorter distances, which range from one to five kilometers depending on their age group, can also take part. Those who wish to register for the virtual 20 km de Paris may do so on www.20kmparis.com. CC

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