How does Race The Machine work?
Enter the Race The Machine Black or Red Running Challenge and provide your age, gender category, and current fitness level. You will then receive your first target time and can prepare to join runners from far and wide challenging themselves to race 4 distances in 2024.
You can choose where you Race The Machine; on your local streets, in the park, at the track, on a treadmill, or even as part of another race. You have the whole of 2024 to complete your challenge.
After you have finished your first race – submit your result. Your time will then be added to the Race The Machine Times & Results Table.
Things get even more interesting as you continue your challenge. This race series responds to your previous result, creating realistic personal target times for you at each distance.
Birth of Race The Machine
In 2020 I created ‘virtual races’ and challenges to keep the members of my running club motivated during the pandemic. One of these ideas involved challenging members to beat personal and achievable time targets. “Race The Machine” was born.
How do I win?
Race The Machine is innovative in that you don’t need to be the fast to move uo he leaderboard. If you do well against your own personal achievable targets you will move up the leaderboard.
✅ Beat The Machine and you will receive 1 point.
🔥 Beat The Machine by a large margin you will receive 1.5 points.
🤖 Complete your distance, but don’t beat The Machine and you will receive 0.5 points.
The entrant with the most points in 2024 wins! Those on the same points total are separated by total accrued time against The Machine.
How your time to beat is calculated?
Your times are calculated based on a well used formula in running. The calculation has been developed into an innovative challenge.
Is Race The Machine a virtual race?
Race The Machine is not a virtual race, or is it? It is definitely different from the typical virtual race. This challenge is about attempting to beat achievable running time targets for your ability level across a series of distances. The challenge works equally well for beginners as it does very experienced runners. All are welcome and everyone can Race The Machine and succeed.
Doing some good…
Race The Machine is committed to making choices that limit environmental impact. Without having to travel by car, train, or plane you can join a community of runners across the UK and beyond challenging themselves to race 4 distances in 2024.
As most runners have enough medals on display, (or hidden in drawers and cupboards), your achievement will be marked with a red/black buff made from recycled plastic bottles. You can also choose to buy a quality technical running t-shirt on entry (also made from recycled materials).
Michael – Race The Machine Founder
“What a great idea! Entirely flexible and therefore easy to stick with, but a great motivator across the year.” Lynn Hill – Bedford
“Race The Machine is a fantastic event, and very well run. The Technical T-shirt I also bought is great quality!!” Stuart Milton – Balloch
“It’s always better when running with others, even virtually, so give it a whirl…” Mark Blackwell – Church Crookham
“It’s thanks to Michael and this event that made me think I can run the biggest marathon in the world. Give this challenge a go, it is well worth it.” John Todd – Derby
“It’s a great idea and far superior to other virtual events out there.” Maria Merridan – Corby Glen