Get Up! Get Out! Take the PCH 110-Mile Virtual Challenge

The latest project from innovative timing company Finished Results is a virtual challenge that invites participants to traverse a 110-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway along the central California coast with the big-picture objectives of getting folks out of the COVID-19 doldrums while raising money for California food banks. 

The PCH 110-Mile Virtual Challenge event was posted this week with a framed run date throughout the months of June and July. It is open to both the general public as well as middle school and high school athletes and programs.  

"We noticed that getting out to be physically active during quarantine was possible but sporadic," Finished Results founder Chris Drescher said in an emailed response to questions about the PCH Virtual Challenge. "I found myself going for a run/walk for maybe once or twice a week. We also are all feeling the hardships of the economic shutdown and want to do something about it for those who are struggling with the harsh realities more than ourselves."

The PCH Virtual Challenge, which offers registration to both individuals and teams, is designed to trek along the 110-mile stretch between Cambria and Monterey, a breathtaking route that winds along the ocean, past Hearst Castle, along the coastal mountains of Big Sur and finishes in Monterey. 

"110 miles between Cambria and Monterey is full of beautiful landscapes, points of interest, and coastal sunsets," Drescher wrote. "What better area to travel virtually while we are all restricted from traveling?"

A percentage of proceeds and 100 percent of donations will go to the California Association of Food Banks with a goal to raise at least $25,000, Drescher said. 

"We chose the California Association of Food Banks because food is the number one necessity in uncertain times such as these," Drescher wrote. "Even going to a supermarket to find the necessary foods to feed your family is becoming a challenge. Many people already relied on Food Banks to feed their children, and now many more families are finding themselves in these situations. We want to make sure that there is no shortage of food for these struggling families. Especially since the normal lunch from school that kids would receive is not available to them."

While the goal is to have participants sign up by June 1 and complete the 110-mile challenge during the 30 days of June (3.67-miles per day) or by the end of July (1.8-miles per day), registration is available after June 1, Drescher said.

A per-runner rate discount is offered for teams of 10 or more. 

Drescher said participants will be able to track their progress along the 110 miles of the PCH on a map '"as well as a leaderboard to see who is completing the challenge the fastest."

So, let this virtual race to Monterey begin!