As real world events are either cancelled or postponed by the coronavirus crisis, many have compensated with virtual versions. We've also seen the appearance of new innovative virtual formats to sustain runner interest during this period of event famine.

One example is the Virtual Mob Match Competition which will see two teams of runners compete with each other over 5K to claim champion honours. The mob match is organised by Stockport-based Crazy Legs Events who wanted to create a format to keep runners motivated and give them a goal to focus on during the crisis. Crazy Legs Events also wanted to foster  friendly competition between clubs and generate online banter between club and team participants.

This is a contest between two teams where every runner completes 5K and is allocated a score, the value of which is based upon their position in that match. For example, if there are 10 finishers in a team, the first finisher is awarded 10 points, second finisher 9 points, and third finisher 8 points and so on. The scores are added up and the team with the highest goes through to the next round and the Cup competition and the losers move into the Plate competition.  

Clubs or groups of running friends enter a team and the greater the number of people the higher the chance of winning their match. Every runner is important irrespective of speed and to keep things on an even level, the organisers will arrange for similar size teams to meet. Large clubs will be placed in Band 1, medium sized clubs in Band 2 and small clubs in Band 3. 

Entries are open until 14 June and then organisers will draw the first round matches, with live streaming a possibility.

For more information and how to enter, visit the Crazy Legs Events website.

Image courtesy: Crazy Legs Events