Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Cover Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Initially scheduled for October 11, this year's 20 Kilomètres de Paris race was cancelled due to the coronavirus. 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 very simple and should make this year's race accessible to just about anyone. Participants only have to run (or walk) 20 kilometres, at any location on the planet and at any time between October  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, the registration pack includes a race bib and a digital diploma. A collector's edition at 29 euros also has a messenger bag, a T-shirt and a medal. Let's not forget that for every registration pack ordered, five euros will be donated to fund research, and 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, October 12, on the 20km de Paris website.

Runners and disabled athletes from all over the world are welcome to take part in the event. Children running shorter distances, which range from one to five kilometres depending on their age group, can also take part.

Register for the virtual 20km de Paris: 20kmparis.com