Ever Run a Virtual Race? Team Upbeat Have — And Here's How They Found It

This time last year, most of us had never considered the concept of a ‘virtual race’, let alone taken part in one. Fast forward a year, and Team Upbeat have run the virtual Derby 10K, the original race having been cancelled back in March due to coronavirus.

Collectively, they managed to raise an incredible £2844.65 for Upbeat Communities! A fantastic achievement.

Among them were Upbeat staff members April and Ruth, and Upbeat volunteer Izzie. Here’s what they had to say about the experience…

April — Upbeat staff member

“During these tough times every penny seriously does count to make sure Upbeat Communities exists and continues to thrive. The sense of achievement when I finished the run and the amount of sponsorship was worth the muscle ache!”

This was my very first 10km run. But the virtual race meant that, rather than being with crowd in Derby with support from friends, family and work colleagues, I was on my own. With my fitness level not where it was at the beginning of the year, the run was certainly challenging.

The reality is that things happens in life which are out of our control, just like how many of the families we work with at Upbeat had no choice but to leave their loved ones, their jobs, livelihood, everything they had built behind to start again in the UK, with English as their second language.

I can safely say I am not born to run for long distance for fun! Would I do it again? Yes — for Upbeat. Throughout the run I was thinking of the humble and loving participants we work with.

During these tough times every penny seriously does count to make sure Upbeat Communities exists and continues to thrive. The sense of achievement when I finished the run and the amount of sponsorship was worth the muscle ache!

Izzie — Upbeat volunteer

“Being able to run the 10K and raise money for Upbeat was an honour. Having volunteered for Upbeat for some time it was an amazing feeling to raise some money for them so they can continue to support asylum seekers and refugees in all the wonderful different ways they do.”

Although being in lockdown affected my motivation to train, I was determined to complete the run and raise as much money as possible for Upbeat! 

Actually completing the 10K with Ryan and Ella was a lot more challenging than I anticipated, but also extremely rewarding. Although the excitement and buzz from running with all the other Derby 10K runners was missing, the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park made up for it... even on my third lap round! 

Being able to run the 10K and raise money for Upbeat was an honour. Having volunteered for Upbeat for some time it was an amazing feeling to raise some money for them so they can continue to support asylum seekers and refugees in all the wonderful different ways they do. 

I hope I am crazy enough to run again for Upbeat Communities next year (and raise some more funds) and that the Derby 10K will be able to go ahead, not just virtually, but with us all running together! 

Ruth — Upbeat staff member

“As my colleague and I met for training walks, we reflected on how our small 10K paled in comparison to some of the journeys asylum seekers make to seek refuge. We were walking to raise money to support people who had crossed whole countries on foot, boat, van and a variety of unsuitable transport methods, often with small children in tow, leaving family, friends, jobs and all that's familiar behind — at best sacrificing any sort of comfort, at worst risking their lives.”

When I signed up to run the Derby 10k for Upbeat Communities at the start of the year, it was with some hesitance. As both my colleague and I had injuries/reasons we couldn't run the distance, we decided to walk it very fast instead. Even so walking 10K in 90mins felt like a challenge!

As my colleague and I met for training walks, we reflected on how our small 10K paled in comparison to some of the journeys asylum seekers make to seek refuge. We were walking to raise money to support people who had crossed whole countries on foot, boat, van and a variety of unsuitable transport methods, often with small children in tow, leaving family, friends, jobs and all that's familiar behind — at best sacrificing any sort of comfort, at worst risking their lives.

In contrast, pushing ourselves a bit to complete a 10K around Derby (or Wales as it ended up being!) seemed positively luxurious. At least we knew we were safe, and that, whether it be running triumphantly or crawling across the finish line, we would reach our destination, and we would have warm, comfortable homes to return to and the promise of a good meal.

The same can't be said for many of the journeys undertaken by those that Upbeat supports, and as such it was a privilege to play a small part raising money to give them the best help, love and support possible once they do arrive, so that at the end of a difficult road they receive a welcome that's worthy.  

The 10K might be over, but it’s not too late to show your support — you can donate to Upbeat today via the button below. Thank you!