10 Best Virtual 5K Races for Motivation, Fun
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz,
Certified trainer and run coach
Running a 5K doesn’t have to mean waking up at 5 a.m., fighting for parking, or waiting in the porta-potty line. Thanks to virtual 5K runs, you can experience the same motivation, community, and fun without leaving your favorite running route. A virtual 5K is a running event you complete anywhere, anytime, usually tracked by your smartwatch or a running app. You can run solo, with a friend, or even with your dog, and still earn cool swag and medals while joining a global running community.
Related: 10 Unique 5K Races to Add To Your Bucket List
I created the Runstreet community to make running more fun and accessible for all levels, from first-time runners to seasoned marathoners. Our virtual running challenges combine adventure, storytelling, and movement to make your miles more inspiring. Whether you’re training for a big race goal or just need a push to get off the couch, virtual 5Ks are an awesome way to stay motivated.
Some virtual 5Ks benefit non-profit organizations, adding more meaning to your miles. You can also find a theme you love for extra motivation, whether it's a holiday-themed run or other seasonal races, you'll enjoy the unique challenge and earn fun swag for extra inspiration.
Here are 10 of the best virtual 5K races to try this year:
1. Runstreet Holiday Lights Virtual 5K Run Challenge
The Runstreet Holiday Lights Run is a fun way to stay active in the winter.
✨ Best for festive runners who love holiday cheer.
If you love twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and a good playlist, this is your race. The Runstreet Holiday Lights Running Challenge invites runners to explore the most dazzling holiday displays in their city (or wherever you run). It’s a fun way to stay motivated to run during the holiday season while exploring your neighborhood.
Each registration includes a digital finisher’s race medal, holiday playlist, social media shoutouts on @Runstreet Instagram, and access to the Runstreet online community so you can share your light-filled runs and see others’ holiday running routes around the world. You can walk or run at your own pace, anytime during the holiday season. Plus, get exclusive swag with a race t-shirt with a Special Edition Runstreet Holiday Run T-Shirt to commemorate your winter accomplishment.
Related: 15 Holiday Fitness Tips to Stay Active All Season
2. Runstreet Haunted NYC Virtual 5K Challenge
The Runstreet Haunted NYC Challenge celebrates spooky season.
🎃 Best for spooky-season fun.
For Halloween fans, the Runstreet Haunted NYC Challenge is the ultimate fall adventure. You’ll explore haunted historic spots in New York City with a downloadable art map, haunted playlist, and themed challenges.
It’s a creative, low-pressure way to celebrate Halloween, stay active, and connect with the Runstreet community. Costumes are optional, but highly encouraged. 👻
Related: Best Halloween Races to Celebrate Spooky Season
3. Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
🌳 Best for nature lovers and Bob Ross fans.
The Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K is an eco-friendly virtual 5k running event inspired by the beloved painter Bob Ross and his “happy little trees.” Hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this annual 5K helps support tree planting and forest protection projects across the state and has options to support other states as well.
You can run, walk, or roll your 5K on your own time between April 18 to 26, 2026, and every entry includes a Bob Ross–themed T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker. It’s the perfect blend of art, nature, and good vibes — all for a great cause.
👉 Sign up now.
You can do virtual runs anywhere.
4. The Hot Chocolate Virtual 5K
🍫 Best for chocolate lovers, cold weather.
This hot chocolate run series brings its famous post-run chocolate treats to your doorstep with virtual race options you can do anywhere from the treadmill to your local streets. Participants receive a finisher medal and cozy swag (think the latest gear with a themed jacket), and you can complete the 5K anytime, anywhere. There are also 10K and 15K options for those craving extra miles — and extra chocolate. Sweet motivation, literally.
5. Humane Society Fast & Furriest Virtual 5K & Walk
🐾 Best for animal lovers who want to get active.
The Humane Society Fast & Furriest 5K & Walk is a virtual run and walk hosted by the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County in partnership with Hollywood Feed. You complete the 5K distance anywhere, anytime, then submit your result. Your registration helps support animals who have suffered cruelty or neglect in the Memphis area, giving them another chance at life, with the Humane Society of Memphis the designated charity.
Bring your furry friend for a fun run or walk for a great charity and complete the 5K on your own schedule. You’ll have the satisfaction of running (or walking) for a purpose, and you’ll be part of a community committed to animal welfare.
Related: 10 Dog Running Tips from a Run Coach
Virtual races offer a boost of motivation.
6. Peanuts Event Series
🙂 Best for runners who love Peanuts cartoons and nostalgia.
The Peanuts Event Series from Medal Dash lets you celebrate classic characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown while earning adorable, collectible medals. Each virtual 5K comes with themed swag, a fun race bib, and the flexibility to complete your run anywhere, anytime.
It’s perfect for family runners or anyone who wants to add a little cartoon-inspired fun to their training. Runners of all levels can choose from these seasonal challenges with a Peanuts theme — from Valentine’s to Halloween — so you can keep the nostalgia and awesome swag going all year long.
7. The Turkey Trot Virtual 5K
🦃 Best for a Thanksgiving tradition.
The classic Turkey Trot goes virtual! Burn off some pre-feast calories and make room for pie. Many local Turkey Trots now offer virtual options, so if you find a particular race in your area, they often have a virtual option. You can even test your endurance and pick a virtual turkey trot distance ranging from 5K to a half marathon.
You can go at your own pace for virtual 5Ks.
8. Global Energy Race by Bimbo
🌍 Best for runners who love to give back.
The Global Race by Bimbo is an annual virtual 5K that donates slices of bread to food banks for every participant. It’s a worldwide event that promotes healthy lifestyles and community support. If you want to make the world better and add meaning to your miles, this is the perfect virtual race.
9. RunDisney Virtual 5K Series
🏰 Best for Disney fans & families who want magic in their miles.
The runDisney virtual series brings the magic of Disney to you with at-home races that you complete on your schedule. With fun themese like the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Virtual 5K and the Virtual 5K Jungle Cruise, you’ll enjoy Disney’s themed adventures close to home. Runners get themed bibs, medals, and the feeling of being part of the Disney community.
10. Girls on the Run Virtual 5K “Your Way”
💖 Best for runners who want to support empowerment + movement.
Although many Girls on the Run (GOTR) 5K events are season‑end celebrations, some include a virtual “Your Way” option. For example, GOTR NYC’s Virtual 5K Your Way allows participants to run from anywhere, anytime within the event window and still receive a medal and finisher gear.
It’s a perfect option for anyone who wants to empower young girls, support a nonprofit mission, and enjoy a flexible, motivating 5K experience.
You can get your friends together for a virtual running event.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Virtual 5K
Find a race you want to do. Check out the race registration page and see what's included - it may be anything from awesome medals that you get upon completion to a cool race bib or exclusive discounts on swag.
Check the race period. Some virtual challenges are ongoing and others have a specific window for you to log your race time.
Plan your route. Map out a scenic or safe local route in parks, along waterfronts, or scenic city streets.
Create your own hype. Make a fun playlist, wear your bib, and celebrate your finish line moment (yes, selfies count!).
Invite friends. Get a group of friends and run “together” virtually and share your results and photos to create your own run community. Don't forget to share your hard-earned medal as well, as many events offer a race package with a virtual or physical medal.
Track your progress. Use an app like Strava or MapMyRun to log your distance and time.
Join the community. Share your run on social media with the event hashtag to keep the momentum going.
Have Fun, Keep Moving
A virtual 5K is an excellent opportunity to get motivated and run for a cause or theme that you love. Whether you want to get into the holiday spirit or raise money for your selected charity, you can have a blast and stay active with the virtual race of your choice. Plus, you'll join a great community of virtual race runners for support.
Ready to crush your next virtual 5K? For more training tips, guidance, or a structured 5K plan, check out the Runstreet Shop, where I offer programs designed by me, a certified running coach, to help runners of all levels reach their goals.
Explore Runstreet Training Programs.
Happy running to you!
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she's not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.
