HalfRuns
Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon

Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon

Be Brave Virtual Race: Celebrate courage with a medal and charity donation.

Race Date

Sep 26, 2026

Location

Mesa, AZ

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Low KeyGreat Medal

The Experience

The Be Brave Virtual Race invites runners and walkers to complete a chosen distance—1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon—anywhere, anytime in 2026. First run in 2018, this event has become a signature celebration of courage, with participants from across the country (though exact state count isn't available, the $1 million charity donation over 13 years hints at a committed community).

The medal features A.A. Milne's quote, "Promise me you’ll always remember, you’re braver than you believe..." and at least 15% of each $25 entry supports charity. Runners report their own times, making this a low-pressure, flexible option for first-timers or seasoned athletes seeking a meaningful solo challenge.

While there's no traditional race-day crowd, the sense of purpose and the tangible reward of a well-designed medal deliver a satisfying experience. It's a reminder that bravery can be celebrated on your own terms.

Race-provided description

Complete this virtual race anytime in 2026! Run or walk your chosen distance, earn an inspiring Be Brave finisher medal, and help support charity. Be brave. Be strong. Believe in yourself. The Be Brave Virtual Race was one of our most popular events when it was first released in 2018 and has since become one of our Signature Races! Inspired by a beloved bear and a timeless message of courage, friendship, and believing in yourself, this virtual running and walking challenge is a wonderful way to set a new goal, complete your miles, and celebrate just how strong and brave you really are. The medal features the inspiring words: “Promise me you’ll always remember, you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Because the medal and ribbon do not include a year, you can complete this virtual race anytime! Choose your distance: 1 Mile • 5K • 10K • Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) • Marathon (26.2 Miles) Run or Walk for a Great Cause At least 15% of every registration for the Be Brave Virtual Race will be donated to a charity that works to help patients with life-threatening blood cancers and blood disorders receive potentially life-saving cell therapy and transplant treatments. Every registration helps us continue our mission of using virtual races and miles to make a difference. How the Be Brave Virtual Race Works

SIGN UP: Register for the Be Brave Virtual Race and choose the distance you want to complete. COMPLETE YOUR MILES: Run, walk, jog, hike, or use a treadmill. You choose when, where, and how you complete your challenge. GO AT YOUR OWN PACE: Complete your race all at once or break your miles into smaller sessions. TRACK YOUR TIME: Time yourself and submit your results after completing your race. GET YOUR MEDAL: Your Be Brave finisher medal and race bib will be shipped directly to you! Race Details

WHAT: A virtual running and walking challenge celebrating courage, strength, and believing in yourself. DISTANCES: 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (13.1 Miles), or Marathon (26.2 Miles). WHEN: Complete your virtual race anytime in 2026! WHERE: Anywhere you choose! Run or walk around your neighborhood, on a trail, at a local park, at the gym, on a treadmill, on a track, or even as part of another organized race. SHIPPING: Medals and race bibs typically ship within 2–5 business days after registration. COST: $25, which includes your Be Brave finisher medal and race bib. CHARITY: At least 15% of every registration will be donated to charity. Why Join the Be Brave Virtual Race?

Some races are about finishing times. Some races are about personal records. And some races are about reminding yourself just how strong you really are. The Be Brave Virtual Race is perfect for: • Runners and walkers of all fitness levels • Beginners working toward their first race distance • Anyone facing a difficult challenge or new beginning • Friends and family members completing a race together • Virtual race fans and medal collectors • Anyone who needs a reminder to keep going and believe in themselves There are no crowded starting lines, travel expenses, or strict race-day schedules. You choose your distance. You choose your course. You choose your pace. You choose what being brave means to you. Become a VIP and Save 50% on Every Race! Love virtual races and collecting medals? Join the Virtual Run Events VIP Membership Program for just $3.99 per month and save 50% on all races! VIP members also receive access to our Loyalty Program, where you can earn store credit with every race and save even more. Become a VIP member and start saving on your virtual race adventures! Frequently Asked Questions

What is a virtual race? A virtual race is a running or walking event that you can complete anytime and anywhere you choose. Run, walk, jog, hike, or complete your miles on a treadmill, at the gym, on a track, at a local park, or even as part of another organized race. You choose your own course, complete your distance at your own pace, and celebrate your accomplishment with a race medal shipped directly to you. Can I walk the Be Brave Virtual Race? Absolutely! You can run, walk, jog, or hike your Be Brave Virtual Race. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Whether you’re an experienced runner, a casual walker, or working toward a new fitness goal, you can complete your challenge at your own pace. Where can I complete my virtual race? Anywhere you choose! Complete your miles around your neighborhood, on your favorite trail, at a local park, on a treadmill, at the gym, on a track, or anywhere else that works for you. Do I have to complete the entire distance at one time? No! You can complete your Be Brave Virtual Race all at once or break your miles into smaller distances over multiple days. The goal is to get moving, stay motivated, and complete your challenge in the way that works best for you. Do treadmill miles count? Yes! Miles completed on a treadmill count toward your Be Brave Virtual Race. You can complete your miles indoors or outdoors. What distances are available for the Be Brave Virtual Race? Participants can choose to complete 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (13.1 Miles), or Marathon (26.2 Miles). When will my Be Brave race medal and bib ship? Your Be Brave finisher medal and race bib will typically ship within 2–5 business days after you register. How do I submit my race results? After completing your virtual race, you can submit your finishing time through the Virtual Run Events results page. You are responsible for tracking your own distance and finishing time. Do I have to submit my results to receive my medal? No. Your race medal and bib are shipped after you register, so you do not have to submit your results before receiving your race package. However, we encourage you to complete your challenge and submit your results to celebrate your accomplishment! Every Mile Is an Act of Courage Since 2013, the Virtual Run Events community has helped raise more than $1,000,000 for charities and nonprofit organizations! For each of our virtual races, we select a cause and donate a portion of race registrations to organizations making a difference. Whether you complete 1 Mile, a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon, every finish line begins with the courage to start. Sign up for the Be Brave Virtual Race, choose your distance, complete your miles, earn your medal, and remind yourself just how brave you really are! *Charity Disclaimer: We are not a nonprofit organization — we simply believe in supporting great causes whenever we can. A portion of your race registration is donated to a charitable organization. Over the last 13 years we have donated more than $1 million to charities around the world.  Due to certain legal restrictions, we're unable to publicly list specific charities associated with each event. However, you're welcome to email us at support@virtualrunevent.com for more information on which charity this race benefits and to get a list of our charity donations throughout the years.   What is a Virtual Race?                              A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track (or ev en at another race). You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Running and walking on your own, or with friends! And your medal will be shipped directly to you. Complete a virtual 5Ks, 10K, half marathon and more!  Each race benefits a difference charity For each of our virtual races, we choose a charity to donate a portion of each registration to. We’ve already raised more than $1,00,000 for charities from races here at Virtual Run Events!  Our goal is to continue to help different charities around the world.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Start Location

Participate from Home, Mesa, AZ, 85201

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details0/15

limited extras

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 88°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

72°

Afternoon (High)

88°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

55%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon?

The Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon is held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon take place?

It takes place in Mesa, Arizona.

What distances does the Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Be Brave Virtual Race – 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Mesa? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races