Launched last June, Run To Earn is a point accumulation system integrated directly into the vRace app. It enables users to earn points through physical activity and participation in online sports activities, moving beyond traditional purchase-based reward systems. The developer reported that after six months of implementation, the program has attracted over 200,000 registered users, with more than 53,000 gift redemptions from 6 partner brands.

On average, the program sees 2,000 daily uses, drawing participants from diverse age groups and locations. "However, during special occasions or major campaigns, user numbers can exceed 5,000," a vRace representative stated.

Athletes participating in the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong race. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*.

Quang Huy, 52, from TP HCM, maintains a habit of walking for 30 minutes each morning to improve his health. After discovering vRace and Run To Earn through a workplace sports campaign, his routine became more consistent. "Points from this program can be redeemed for discounts on health and fitness products, so I strive to maintain my activity," Huy shared.

According to Nguyen Hoang Vu, a vRace representative, many traditional membership programs primarily link to shopping behavior, lacking long-term interaction and struggling to create sustained user motivation. "In response to this reality, we introduced the run to earn model – electronic point accumulation tied to real physical activity to foster lasting engagement," a vRace representative stated.

Users register for Run To Earn on the vRace app, linking it to popular fitness tracking platforms like Strava and Garmin, or directly recording activities within the app. Once an account is activated, users earn points by completing 30 minutes of activity daily or taking 5,000 steps.

Run To Earn points are accumulated through various methods, including: daily running or walking; participating in online sports events on the vRace platform; completing distance milestones within each event; or engaging in tasks, check-ins, and minigames.

Activities are recorded based on criteria such as duration, distance, and exercise type. The system employs an anti-cheat mechanism to ensure transparency and fairness for participants.

Users redeem points directly on the vRace app for products within the platform's ecosystem, as well as vouchers and services from partner brands such as: Motive, Starbalm, Accesstrade, Olane, Lecka, and MSC Clinic. According to a vRace representative, building a partner ecosystem aligned with health and fitness sectors ensures rewards match actual user needs.

"We hope Run To Earn helps users maintain their motivation for physical activity. Linking point accumulation to daily physical activity helps form positive lifestyle habits and sustains long-term interaction with the platform," a vRace representative stated.

For businesses, the developer anticipates this to be a new solution. Brands can reach potential sports customers and measure campaign effectiveness through behavioral data and point conversion rates.

The vRace online sports platform was developed by FPT Online in 2020. Its goal is to provide a playground for busy individuals who lack time to participate in offline events. Users can run, cycle, or swim anywhere in their free time, simply by using the vRace app.

Lan Anh