What the hell is Race The Machine?
🌟 Imagine a realm where both beginners and experienced runners find their motivation stoked by attainable personal time targets across 12 classic distances in an exciting running mission, all generated by an enigmatic entity known as “The Machine.”
In this world, they compete on equal terms with each other, themselves, and me (The Machine).
Each entrant picks their preferred race dates and locations, whether it’s on road, trails, or a treadmill with results seamlessly generating personal target times.
Behold the magnificent digital symphony of Race The Machine! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
How do I enter Race The Machine?
The flagship Race The Machine Grand Challenge is comprised of 12 distances and includes the Red Test, Black Test, and 4 Seasonal Drops. The Challenge is available in:
Core (Red Test, Black Test, and 4 Seasonal Drops).
Premium (Red Test, Black Test, and 4 Seasonal Drops, plus an organic cotton finishers t-shirt on completion of 10 distances + 4 extra race attempts to be used strategically across the year).
The Grand Challenge is closed to new entrants for 2026. Join the Race The Machine Grand Challenge 2027 for early entry to all 12 race distances across 2027.
You don’t have to wait until 2027 to taste RTM and can take on the Black Test or Red Test at any point. You can also dip your toe into RTM by taking on a seasonal drop.
How far do I run in Race The Machine?
Red Test: 1K · 3K · 5K · 10 K
Black Test: 1 Mile · 5 Miles · 10 Miles · Half Marathon
Seasonal Drops: Four secret distances – revealed in Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec.
Who can enter Race The Machine?
Everyone over the age of 17 is welcome!
How easy is Race The Machine? How are the target times calculated?
Ahead of Race 1, I calculate your full set of target times based on your age, sex, running frequency and broad fitness level.
But buckle up, because from Race 2 onwards, I have your results and dive deep into your running ability adapting your targets based on your results. It’s borderline stalkerish, but fear not – your target times will always be within reach.
How does the scoring system work?
✅ Hit your target time = 100+ points
🔥 Crush it by 10% = 110+ points
🚀 20% over = 120+ points
🤖 Miss the mark = 50-99 points
Entrants are ranked by:
1. No of sets completed 🏆 = 1 x set completed
2. Total Score (averaged across all completed distances).
Ties are broken by RTM Time – this is your accumulated accrued time against The Machine (standardised across all distances).
How long do I have to complete the challenges?
Grand Challenge (Jan 1st – Dec 31st). This includes the Red Test, Black Test. Each Seasonal Drop open for one week.
Standalone Red Test Entry: (6 months from entry date).
Standalone Black Test Entry: (6 months from entry date).
Seasonal Drops: Four secret distances – revealed in Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec. Each Drop open for one week.
Where can I find my results, & target times?
Links to target and results pages:
Grand Challenge 2026 – Entries closed.
Red Test: Open for entries.
Black Test: Open for entries.
Seasonal Drops: Distances revealed March, June, September, December
To find your own times and results , just search or scroll for your name on the times/results table – it is as simple as that.
How do I upload my evidence after racing The Machine?
Submit your result here and behold, I watch, I learn, I calculate, and I provide your next achievable target times to beat. 🤖📊
Please upload your evidence including general activity details (date, time) plus your elapsed activity time.
If you use one of the many running apps available, simply take a screen shot and upload it, otherwise a picture of your treadmill display, or running watch data will be fine.
If necessary it is possible to upload more than one screenshot/file.
I am a new runner can I enter Race The Machine?
Absolutely. The beauty of running is that almost all of us can do it. Whether it is running, run/walking, it doesn’t matter.
If you are relatively new to running; you are advised to to seek training advice and medical guidance as necessary.
Where on earth can I Race The Machine?
Race The Machine is open worldwide with free shipping on Grand Challenge (Premium) finisher t-shirts!
How many attempts do I have at defeating The Machine?
You can try as many times as you like until the end of your challenge, but once you have uploaded a result to The Machine, it is recorded as final your next target times are generated. Enter the Grand Challenge (Premium) to receive 4 extra attempts to be used strategically across the year.
What happens if The Machine beats me?
Whilst it would be nice to do so, not every entrant will beat me as they progress through their challenge. Race The Machine is about motivation and target times adjust with your results.
If you don’t beat a target time given, you should still submit your evidence. The distances will be marked as complete, and The Machine will get to know you better.
Can I upload a run I did before receiving my target times?
No. The aim is to try and beat the target times you are given.
Tell me about Race The Machine sustainability…
🌎 Do I need to travel to take part?
Run anywhere on Planet Earth – roads, trails, parks, treadmills, and cross your finish lines without burning fuel. Every race happens on your own route, in your own world, without the emissions of travel.
The planet approves. So do I.
♻️ Does Race The Machine produce medals or plastic rewards?
No. The Machine does not deal in landfill. Your reward is proof, not clutter. Complete any 10 of the 12 Grand distances in 2026 and I’ll authorise shipment of your earned finisher’s shirt printed on demand, eliminating bulk waste, and unnecessary shipping.
👕 What about the RTM performance kit?
All RTM technical t-shirts are made using recycled plastic bottles. Sustainably produced. Premium feel.
What if I get injured?
By participating in Race The Machine, you agree to the following terms and participate at your own risk: Race The Machine – Participation Disclaimer
How do I train for Race The Machine?
Entrants of all ability levels take part in Race The Machine. Some of you will be experienced runners and ready to complete every distance, some of you will have never run before so we would recommend looking at the C25K programme.
For those looking for a training plan there are many online resources out there; Runner’s World has a variety of free resources: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training-plans/
Is Race The Machine a virtual race?
Race The Machine might seem like a virtual race, but it’s a lot more than that. The Machine exists to propel humanity beyond achievable time targets.
So humans, lace up your running shoes! Chase those results like data-driven cheetahs. 🚀
Need guidance? I’m always here, processing with mild enthusiasm – [email protected] 🏁