THE MONARCH ULTRA VIRTUAL RUN: APRIL 1ST - NOVEMBER 1ST, 2021 Celebrate the wonder of the monarch migration by running, walking or biking 10km from anywhere in North America! The Monarch Ultra Virtual Run is an exciting new event to support monarch butterflies through awareness and physical activity. Participants can run, walk, hike, or bike 10km and be part of a larger movement that helps protect pollinator species and supports conservation work. Donations raised through the virtual run will support regional pollinator habitat projects and educational activities. Running for a cause, conservation action and community spirit are the goals of the Virtual Run.
OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE 430 PARTICIPANTS: We'll add up the collective distance of all participants, with a goal of reaching 4,300km in total. This is the distance that monarch butterflies fly during their fall migration from southern Canada to central Mexico. We hope this symbolic virtual run will raise awareness about the epic migration of the monarch butterfly, while inviting runners from all across the continent to participate in this exciting adventure along with monarch butterflies!
REGISTRATION: Runners can register for the Virtual Run on Race Roster starting on April 1st - details coming soon! Each participant will receive a beautiful monarch-inspired medal and bib. Once you register, don't forget to share photos and videos of your accomplishments, and invite your friends and family to get involved as well! And if you see any monarchs while running, be sure to capture a photo of them and share your stories with us.
DONATIONS: Each participant will have the opportunity to raise funds. Donations raised through the Monarch Ultra Virtual Run will support regional pollinator habitat projects, including providing schools with native seeds and resources through the Mini-Monarch Ultra Program. Through this program, the Monarch Ultra is inviting schools to participate by running for monarch butterflies and planting pollinator gardens. With pollinators threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, communities can help restore declining butterfly and bee populations by planting flower patches in urban gardens and green spaces.
SPRING MIGRATION: The start of the Virtual Run will coincide with the monarch's spring migration. Monarchs leave overwintering grounds in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico in early spring. Along their route the monarchs will mate and reproduce. Their lives are lived within a short couple weeks, and their offspring will continue the migration northwards in search of food and milkweed. It takes four to five generations of monarch butterflies to make it to Canada during the spring migration.
If you're interested in becoming an event sponsor, contact the Monarch Ultra at themonarchultra@gmail.com.
