We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race – 2026 Penny Run & Finisher Medal
🪙 One Last Cent. One Meaningful Mile.
The penny has been part of American life for generations. Now you can commemorate the end of an era — one mile at a time.
Introducing the We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race, a unique 2026 virtual running and walking challenge commemorating the historic end of U.S. penny production.
On November 12, 2025, the final circulating U.S. one-cent coin was struck, bringing more than two centuries of penny production to an end.
We're marking this little piece of American history with one very special mile.
Whether you're a runner, walker, coin collector, history lover, Lincoln enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a truly unique finisher medal, you're invited to complete the We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race anytime during 2026.
🏅 A Finisher Medal Worth Every Cent
Complete your mile and earn a distinctive We Lost Our Cents finisher medal inspired by the classic Lincoln penny.
The antique bronze-style medal features:
WE LOST OUR CENTS
IN GOD WE TRUST
1 MILE
and
THE LAST PENNY WAS PRINTED
11.12.2025
Paired with a coordinating penny-inspired neck ribbon, this medal is designed to be more than race swag — it's a fun keepsake commemorating a piece of American history.
Perfect for:
- 🏃 Runners
- 🚶 Walkers
- 🪙 Penny and coin collectors
- 🇺🇸 American history enthusiasts
- 🎁 Unique gift seekers
- 👨👩👧 Families
- 🏅 Virtual race medal collectors
- 👟 Anyone looking for a fun, achievable fitness challenge
👟 Just One Mile!
You don't have to be a marathon runner to earn this medal.
The We Lost Our Cents Virtual Race is just 1 mile, making it an approachable challenge for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
Run it.
Walk it.
Jog it.
Take the dog.
Grab the kids.
Hop on the treadmill.
Or gather some friends and make your own penny-themed one-mile race.
There's no required pace and no official starting line.
One historic penny. One memorable medal. One mile.
📅 Complete Your Race Anytime in 2026
The We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race can be completed anytime during 2026.
You decide when and where your starting line will be.
Complete your mile:
- Around your neighborhood
- On a treadmill
- At your favorite park
- On a running trail
- At the gym
- On a track
- While traveling
- With friends or family
- At another organized running event
You can time your mile if you'd like, but timing is completely optional.
This challenge is about getting moving, commemorating history and earning a fantastic finisher medal.
❤️ Your Mile Makes a Difference
Small change can make a BIG difference.
That's why this race is especially meaningful.
15% of every We Lost Our Cents registration will be donated to Penny Appeal USA, supporting humanitarian programs designed to help people and communities facing poverty and hardship.
It's a fitting cause for a race inspired by the humble penny.
A single cent may seem small.
A single mile may seem small.
But when enough people come together, small things can create meaningful change.
Please note: Virtual Run Events is not affiliated with Penny Appeal USA. We independently select charitable organizations to benefit from our races and are proud to donate a portion of registration proceeds to support their work.
📦 What's Included With Registration?
Your We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race registration includes:
- 🏅 We Lost Our Cents finisher medal
- 🎽 Coordinating 2026 race bib
- ❤️ 15% donation to Penny Appeal USA
- 🪙 A unique keepsake commemorating the end of U.S. penny production
Medals and bibs typically ship within 2–5 days after registration.
What Is a Virtual Race?
A virtual race is a running or walking event that gives you the freedom to participate from virtually anywhere.
There's no required starting location, race-day travel or specific start time.
You choose your course, your pace and your race day.
Run or walk outdoors, use a treadmill, head to a local track, explore a trail or complete your mile as part of another event.
You can participate alone or make it a group activity with friends and family.
Your race. Your pace. Your place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the We Lost Our Cents Virtual Race?
This is a 1 Mile Virtual Race. You may run, walk or jog the distance.
When can I complete the race?
Complete your 1 mile anytime during 2026.
Where do I complete my virtual race?
Anywhere you want! Complete your mile outside, at a park, on a trail, around your neighborhood, on a track or on a treadmill.
Can I walk the race?
Absolutely! Walkers are welcome. There is no minimum pace requirement.
Do I have to submit a finish time?
No. Timing your race is optional. You're welcome to record your time for your own records, but this challenge is designed to be accessible and fun.
Do I receive a medal?
Yes! Your registration includes the We Lost Our Cents finisher medal.
Does registration include a race bib?
Yes. Your registration includes a coordinating 2026 We Lost Our Cents race bib.
When will my medal ship?
Race medals and bibs typically ship within 2–5 days after registration.
Does this virtual race benefit charity?
Yes. 15% of each registration is donated to Penny Appeal USA.
❤️ Every Mile Can Make a Difference
Virtual Run Events has built a community around the idea that fitness can do more than improve our own lives — our miles can help others, too.
A portion of registration proceeds from our races is donated to charitable organizations, and together our community has helped raise more than $1 million for charities.
The We Lost Our Cents race continues that tradition — proving that even something as small as one mile or one cent can make a difference.
⭐ VIP Members Save 50%
Love earning unique race medals?
Join the Virtual Run Events VIP Membership Program and enjoy 50% off races, plus access to our Loyalty Program where you can earn store credit toward future events.
If you plan to participate in several virtual races throughout the year, VIP membership is an easy way to save while adding more medals to your collection.
🪙 Don't Let This One Slip Through the Cracks
The penny may be history, but you can commemorate its story with one unforgettable mile.
Walk it with your family.
Race it for a new personal best.
Complete it with your running club.
Or do it simply because you want one seriously cool penny-inspired medal.
EVERY MILE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Register for the 2026 We Lost Our Cents 1 Mile Virtual Race and turn a little piece of American history into your next finish line.
