Virtual Run Events
About the Company
Virtual Run Events was born out of Angela Webb's passion for fitness and community building. It started as Moon Joggers, a running group that encouraged participants to collectively log miles toward imaginative goals, such as reaching the moon. Over time, the initiative evolved into a virtual race platform where participants register, complete races on their own terms, and receive custom-designed medals.
The company distinguishes itself by combining fitness with philanthropy, donating a portion of race fees to various charities. Over the years, Virtual Run Events has grown its loyal community through effective use of social media, engaging content, and unique race themes. Today, it is a leader in the virtual racing niche, hosting 80 to 100 races annually.
Despite increased competition, Virtual Run Events thrives due to its established reputation, creative marketing strategies, and dedication to customer satisfaction. It provides flexibility for participants and team members, such as part-time employees who manage operations from home.
Idea Behind Company
Angela's journey began with a personal challenge in 2012 to run 1,000 miles with her sister as a way to stay connected. Inspired by her mother's marathon achievements, Angela wanted to create a meaningful fitness goal. A chance moment on a country road led her to imagine a collective effort to "run to the moon," sparking the idea for Moon Joggers.
The idea quickly gained traction. By leveraging Facebook groups, Angela attracted over 1,200 participants in just three weeks. This immediate success demonstrated the potential for combining fitness, community, and imagination. Each year, the group set new celestial goals, further cementing its identity as a fun and inspiring fitness community.
Angela realized the importance of finding a niche. While live events catered to some runners, virtual races appealed to those who valued flexibility and independence. This focus on a specific audience became a cornerstone of her business model.
Creating the Company
In its early stages, Moon Joggers was a side project while Angela worked full-time and pursued her MBA. Encouraged by her father, she transformed the initiative into a business, investing in custom medals and t-shirts to attract participants. Initial funding came from her best friend, Darnell, who contributed $1,000 and became a business partner.
The first virtual race aimed to raise funds for a community member whose son was battling cancer. This charitable element resonated with participants, establishing a tradition of philanthropy. Angela soon discovered that custom medals were a significant draw, leading her to collaborate with professional designers for high-quality, themed medals.
By 2014, the company had gained enough momentum for Angela to leave her job and work on the business full-time. Through trial and error, she mastered website creation, shipping logistics, and marketing strategies, turning her passion into a scalable operation.
Launching the Business
Virtual Run Events formally launched in 2013 with a modest start-up budget. Early challenges included sourcing professional-looking medals and managing logistics. Angela leveraged WordPress for her website and Race Entry software for race registration, keeping costs low. Initial profits were reinvested into expanding the business.
Social media, particularly Facebook, was instrumental in attracting participants. Angela created an inclusive community where runners and walkers of all levels could share experiences and support one another. Positive word-of-mouth and targeted advertising helped the business grow organically.
Over time, the company expanded its race offerings, incorporating creative themes like National Cupcake Day and Ugly Sweater Day. This variety, combined with the flexibility of virtual races, attracted a loyal customer base that appreciated the convenience and fun of participating on their own terms.
Earnings
Virtual Run Events generates $95,000 in monthly revenue, primarily through race registration fees. These fees cover production costs, shipping, and donations to charity. To date, the company has donated over $860,000, with a goal of reaching $1 million by the end of 2021.
The company operates with a lean team of three part-time employees, allowing it to maintain high profit margins while offering flexible work arrangements. Angela reinvests earnings into advertising, new race ideas, and partnerships with charities.
Looking ahead, Virtual Run Events plans to continue innovating with new race concepts and expanding its charitable impact. Despite the challenges of increased competition and changing social media algorithms, Angela remains confident in the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in the growing virtual race market.
