Fitness tracker app My Virtual Mission added one of the more iconic U.S. highways to its Conqueror Event Series on Monday.
This week, fitness enthusiasts can now sign-up via web, iOS or Android apps for the 2,280-mile Route 66 Virtual Challenge. They’ll eventually be able to log mileage by running, walking, cycling, or other forms of exercise as they virtually traverse across the country, hitting historic landmarks such as Cadillac Ranch or the Hollywood sign in the process.
“This challenge is a perfect opportunity for those looking for a little more motivation in their fitness routine for the New Year, and those trying to keep a New Year’s resolution going” Conqueror Event Series founder Adam El-Agez said in a statement. “Our length of the UK challenge which covers the distance from Lands to John O’Groats has been a great success. We’re excited to now offer Route 66, the most iconic road network in the world, as a virtual fitness challenge that people can put their workout miles towards each time they exercise.”
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Participants who embark on the Route 66 Virtual Challenge — either as an individual or on teams — will be able to compete against other people taking on the virtual challenge and see weekly, monthly and all-time leaderboards. The challenge will be accessible through fitness trackers such as Runkeeper, Map My Run, Fitbit, Strava and others. Those who aren’t connected can manually log their distances, too.
“It is addictive and definitely pushing me to get the miles clocked up. I wouldn’t normally sign up for virtual events but this is a very different platform,” said runner Mick Smith, who already participates in the Great Britain Challenge.
When individuals reach specific destinations, they’ll unlock virtual postcards showing the landmarks they’ve reached along their journey. At the end of each activity, participants will also be able to experience the Route 66 Virtual Challenge via Google Street View. Pricing for the challenges, which span three, six, nine and 12-month periods, begins at $9.