If you have a list of email subscribers, launching your event using email is probably the fastest, cheapest, and most effective option. Here's a quick guide to getting your email launch right.

Your launch email needs to do a few key things:

1. Explain what a Virtual Event is

Virtual Events are a new concept to many, so it's important to spell out what it is. Here's how we choose to explain it:

Unlike physical events, with a virtual event, you can complete your run wherever you choose, and in your own time. Record your run with a GPS watch or running app, and upload your result to see how you got on against others.

2. Show what makes your Virtual Event special

Whether it's a charitable cause you're supporting, an awesome medal, or an innovative theme, make sure you front up with what it is that makes your Virtual Event special.

3. Tell runners what they need to do

Virtual Events might be a new concept for your runners. Spell out what they need to do to get to the finish line. Here's how we describe it:

  1. Sign up here
  2. Complete your run within 48 hours of the start of the event, and record it using a GPS watch or running app
  3. After your run, go back to the sign-up page and submit your result, including a link to your uploaded activity (and a selfie!)

4. Use great images

This goes without saying... use great imagery to tell the story! Avoid pictures of crowded race fields. Use images with just one person to convey what a Virtual Event is.

5. Use a strong Subject Line

The subject line determines whether or not the email gets opened. We recommend something short and clear, e.g.

Email Template

We've combined all these points to create an email template which you can use to launch your Virtual Event. Preview the template here:

Virtual Event Launch Email.html

If you use Mailchimp to send emails, click here to add the template to your Mailchimp account.