When the new coronavirus pandemic caused race cancellations across the globe, professional runner Tyler Andrews, 30, started brainstorming ideas: He wanted to bring recreational and elite runners together.
Andrews had just launched his online coaching company, Chaski Endurance Collective, in May. To promote it and to spark some competition when there was none, he organized the Chaski Challenge, which included virtual 5K, 50K, and relay options. Runners could complete their races outside or on the treadmill, with the chance to win up to $6,000 in prizes.
On the pro side, Andrews sought out several big names in running to break as many treadmill world records as possible. The event, if successful, would show that the treadmill isn’t something to dread and that all runners, whether they’re avoiding the elements or…
