Virtual Race Leads to Real Injury
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A virtual race today resulted in a very real injury for one local runner, Dumb Runner has learned.
Brian Wilson, 28, was taking part in the Pet Sound (California) Marathon’s virtual race this morning when the injury occurred. The marathon, originally scheduled for April 19, was canceled earlier this month because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers announced a virtual event instead, encouraging runners to complete the 26.2-mile distance on their own, in a safe and socially distant manner, and then to share their results online.
Wilson, a relatively new runner who had never run a marathon before, set out alone around 9 a.m. and was roughly 14 miles in to his “race” when he felt a sharp, piercing pain shooting through his right shin.
“Ow, goddammit!” said Wilson, slowing to a stop and clutching his leg. “Gah!”
The injury resulted in a real DNF, as Wilson limped a few more blocks and then called a Lyft to take him home.
Reached for comment, Wilson said he’s not sure what caused the injury. He also said that he’s uncertain when he’ll be able to try another marathon, but that when he does he’ll be more cautious—even if he’s running a virtual one.
“There’s nothing ‘remote’ about this pain,” he said. “Damn.”
