Run a half-marathon or participate in a triathlon near you, by choosing your day and time, by defining your course, while competing against other competitors ... It is now possible, thanks to the new tools developed by the Sport Heroes platform. "Since there are no more events, we must find a way to reproduce them," said Boris Pourreau, co-founder of Sport Heroes. With connected tools, we now have fallback solutions to major events. "
Starting a race alone in your corner, when you want it is not new, several charities having raised funds with this type of challenge. On the other hand, never classifications had been established during these virtual races. However the French, who were passionate about running during confinement, now want to challenge themselves.
The first virtual 10 km on June 20 and 21
“To get motivated, the sportsman needs intermediate stages, to register for a race, to prepare it, underlines Boris Pourreau. On June 20 and 21, the first virtual 10 km will be launched across France. Each registrant will choose his route (which must however correspond to certain standards, in the interests of fairness) and his departure time. The only constraint: having a connected watch, the essential tool to measure yourself against others.
"The runner starts his watch at the start, stops it at the finish and the data passes through our services", decrypts Boris Pourreau who specifies that, of course, control algorithms make it possible to check whether the performances are plausible. Throughout the weekend, participants can follow the evolution of their ranking.
And soon qualifying triathlons for the worlds!
The virtual race opens new perspectives. Runners find a way to gauge themselves while rallies are still prohibited, brands a way to capture potential consumers. The 10 km race on June 20 and 21 will be sponsored by Puma, which will send prizes to the winners. "The sport is at a standstill but the brands want to continue to be visible," says one at Sport Heroes. Many of them have seen an acceleration of their online sales in recent weeks, these virtual races represent a real opportunity for them. "
Especially since the number of participants is unlimited and races at international level are possible. In a few weeks, a virtual marathon will be launched and the Ironman platform which, still on Sport Heroes, offers triathlons (up to 30,000 participants!) Already imagines that these virtual races can qualify for the World Championships!
The organizers meet there. The tests are canceled (this will still be the case for many until the end of the year) but the switch to digital allows them to keep a link with the registrants. And to ensure survival for the years to come. “Because even if virtual races have a bright future, not everything can be digitized, in particular the beauty of certain courses. And fortunately ! "Concludes Boris Pourreau.