The Lung Run virtual race is for any runner that cannot join us in person for the Lung Run trail run in Novaci, North Macedonia. 

It is open to all runners motivated by environmental consciousness and raising awareness about the effects of air pollution caused by coal power plants. Like the physical Lung Run, the virtual race has a charitable component to support communities affected by pollution. 

The course

On 25 October 2020, participants in the virtual race can run any distance above five kilometres on any terrain. We want all runners to be able to participate without travel barriers or location restrictions. Participants are expected to follow local health and safety protocols for their runs, gatherings and outdoor activities. 

By completing a run of five kilometres or more, finishers receive a medal and certificate. Runs of longer than 37 kilometres will receive a nice finishers’ t shirt (limited to the first 100 runners).

Registrations

All runners who register for the virtual race agree to pay the 5 euro registration fee, which will then be donated to the Municipality of Novaci to help purchase air pollution monitoring sensors. 

All runners should also register for the virtual race on Strava so that their run is recorded.

Support the cause

Runners in the virtual race are asked to share photos and messages of solidarity with the Novaci community in North Macedonia that is affected by pollution from the local coal power plant.

Upload the photo on the FB event page.

Share photos on social channels with the hashtags: #TheLungRun #RunForData #RunForChange 

Volunteer to carry a pollution monitoring device

Three self-exposure monitoring devices are available to be shipped in Europe to runners who want to monitor air quality on race day. These devices gather information about air-borne particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides caused by exhaust gas.

The device and app provide real-time exposure data that will be mapped during the run.

Runners can indicate willingness to carry a device on the registration form, with priority given to runners in places with notoriously poor air quality or those that lack official monitoring data. 

The three volunteers can then keep the devices.

Please note that at least seven days are needed to ship the device, so register in advance.

Awards

Runners who complete a race of more than five kilometres will receive a medal and finisher certificate. Those who run 37 kilometres or more will also receive a nice t-shirt (limited to the first hundred runners).

The event does not award cash prizes to the best participants.