Challenge yourself to run your best 5K this Summer. This virtual challenge is designed to let you run anytime and anywhere all summer long. To help you achieve your goal of gaining speed between June and August, tiered training plans are available. Each month, you can test your 5K pace to track your improvement on our monthly leaderboards. This event is a personal challenge, and you are only competing against yourself.
When will I get my training plan?
Training plans will be mailed to all participants on June 1, 2021. These training plans are specifically geared towards improving your 5K time throughout the Dog Days of Summer. The 8-week plans begin in June and ends in August. Participants should run a test 5K by June 15th and then begin the plan with the goal of running your next 5K in mid-July. Your final test will be in August as you finish your 8-week training. If you’re local to Coastal Virginia we encourage you to bring your race bib to New Realm Brewery and celebrate your Challenge with us in August.
Available tiered training plans:
Level One (new to 5Ks) is designed around walking or running four days per week. This plan is focused on building a fitness routine and based on minutes not miles of running/walking. Additionally, long runs cap at 3.5 miles.
Level Two (have ran 5Ks before and looking to improve time) is designed around running an average of four to five days per week for participants who have regularly have completed 5K races. This plan is focused on improving your time by increasing mileage and introducing speedwork throughout the summer. Additionally, long runs range 5-6 miles.
Level Three (experienced 5K racer seeking advanced speedwork) is designed around running an average of five to six days per week. This plan is focused on tempo runs and interval training in addition to long runs ranging from 6-8 miles.
When will I get my swag?
Be the first to get your swag! During registration, you will be asked to select how you want to receive your swag:
1 – Pick up at your swag at our June kick off celebration at New Realm in Virginia Beach, Virginia on June 16, 2021 from 4-7pm. Participants who pick up their swag will also receive a complimentary beer and dinner specials will be available.
2 – Have your packet delivered to your home. If you aren’t able to make it to our kick off celebration, your packet will be mailed on June 17, 2021.
What is included with my swag?
Your packet will include:
- Three-Part Finisher Medal
- Sunglasses
- Beach Towel
- Race Bibs
Stay connected to the Dog Days of Summer running community
We encourage you to connect with other The Dog Days of Summer 5K participants in our private Facebook Group*. Share your successes, cheer on other runners, and get to know the person running with you virtually. Dog photos are always welcome!
*Confirmation Number needed for approval into the Facebook group
How do I uploaded my 5K results each month?
Our digital leaderboard allows you to either sync you wearable or manually upload your mileage. To add your 5K finish time, log in to your participant account.
Submit your finish time each month:
June 5K | results can be submitted between June 1 – 30, 2021
July 5K | results can be submitted between July 1 – 31, 2021
August 5K | results can be submitted between August 1 – 31, 2021
While it is not required, we do encourage you to upload your results to our leaderboard. Doing this is easy.
- Log into your Participant Account
- Click “Your Registrations”
- Click edit registration on your event
- Submit virtual results
- Enter your total finish time
- Enter your proof of finish time via link or photo (optional)
- Tell us how, when, and with whom you ran (optional)
- Click “Save”
Can I connect my wearable?
Yes! You can connect your fitness trackers to upload your results. Compatible devices include: Fitbit, Garmin, Suunto, MapMyFitness, and Polar.
Where can I view results?
Where can I download my virtual certificate?
- Go to the Results Page
- Click the down arrow next to your name and results
- Click “Download Finisher Certificate”
Are there age group awards?
There are no awards for completing this challenge the fastest. This is an individual competition, and it is only intended for participants to compete with themselves. We will be giving away random prizes in our private Facebook group to participants that engage with our weekly challenges.
