Virgin Voyages Debuts a New Running Club

July 30, 2024 Randy Young

Virgin Voyages has always emphasized fitness and well-being as one of the differentiating aspects of its cruise experience. Whether it’s the outdoor boxing rings or included fitness classes, guests aboard Virgin Voyages have plenty of options to focus on their well-being. Now, they’re debuting a new activity that caters to one of the most popular and practiced sports in the world: running.

Virgin Voyages New “8 Legs Run Club” (8LRC)

To cater to those who enjoy running, Virgin Voyages will debut a new “8 Legs Run Club” (8LRC) this fall. The group allows runners to find other like-minded cruisers onboard. The Run Club is designed for all levels, whether you enjoy a casual jog or you’re training for a marathon.

In addition to meetups on the ship, guests can also join the Happenings Cast at different destinations for running activities in the ports. Virgin Voyages will include “Shore Things,” their name for excursions, in some ports, where you can run through the local terrain with their guide. The cost for these excursions has not yet been revealed.

Running Track on Virgin Voyages

Each Virgin Voyages ship has a dedicated, 836-foot-long elevated running track around Deck 17 called “The Runway.” Unlike ships from other cruise lines, you won’t find any loungers or chairs around this track; it’s truly intended to be used as a running track and avoids obstructions.

The Runway is elevated over other decks, providing amazing views and a beautiful sea breeze while running on the ship. Whether training for a marathon or trying to burn off last night’s dinner, you have a way to get your energy out. 6.3 laps equals 1 mile, and 19.6 laps would be the equivalent of a 5K.

Two Sailors Inspired 8LRC Run Club

According to Virgin Voyages, the idea for the run club was sparked by two sailors. One completed an entire marathon run aboard Resilient Lady (a little over 165 laps of the track). Another sailor, Bruno Ocampo-Gonzalez, ran for 24 hours straight to raise money for the victims of floods in Brazil. He ended up completing 639 laps on The Runway.