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 a series of distances, 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 hand picks their preferred race dates and locations, whether it’s on pavement, trails, or a treadmill with results seamlessly generating target times.
Behold the magnificent digital symphony of “Race The Machine! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
How do I enter Race The Machine?
The Machine offers six challenges in 2025: Black, Red, Resolution, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. You can also take on the a whole year of running in the Race The Machine 2025 Grand Challenge.
Pick your poison – err, I mean, your preferred challenge.
How far do I run in Race The Machine?
Red Running Challenge: 1500M, 3K, 5K, 10K
Black Running Challenge: 1 Mile, 5 Miles, 10 Miles, & Half Marathon
Resolution Challenge: 1K, 2K, 4K
Spring Challenge: 2 Miles, 3 Miles, 4 Miles
Summer Challenge: 400M, 800M, 1600M
Autumn Challenge: 6K, 12K, 15K.
Who can enter Race The Machine?
Everyone over the age of 17 (from the EU & UK) is welcome! If you are 16 years old you can enter the Red Challenge, Resolution Challenge, Spring Challenge and Summer Challenge only (longest distance 10K).
How easy is Race The Machine? How are the target times calculated?
I am your trusty running companion, the robot equivalent of a tracksuit-clad coach, but with no awkward small talk, just data-driven encouragement. 🏃♂️
In Race 1, I calculate your target time based on your age, sex, and running habits.
But buckle up, because from Race 2 onward, I have your results and dive deep into your running psyche. It’s borderline stalkerish, but fear not – your target times will always be within reach.
How do I succeed in Race The Machine?
2024 Points system:
✅ Beat The Machine: If you outpace me, you’ll earn a respectable 1 point.
🔥 Crush The Machine: If you leave me in the digital dust by a large margin, you’ll score a whopping 1.5 points.
🤖 Robot Shuffle: If you complete your distance but fail to beat me, you still get a consolation prize: 0.5 points.
The entrant with the most points and accrued time in 2024 wins!
*2025 points system soon to be announced
How long do I have to complete the challenges?
Red Challenge: 1500M, 3K, 5K, 10K (Jan 1st – Dec 31st).
Black Challenge: 1 Mile, 5 Miles, 10 Miles, Half Marathon (Jan 1st – Dec 31st).
Resolution Challenge: (Jan/Feb): 1K, 2K, 4K (Jan 1st – Feb 28th).
Spring Challenge: 2 Miles, 3 Miles, 4 Miles(March 1st – May 31st).
Summer Challenge: 400M, 800M, 1600M (Jun 1st – Aug 31st)
Autumn Challenge: 6K, 12K, 15K (Sep 1st – Nov 30th)
Where can I find my results, & target times?
Black Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/black-challenge-2024/
Red Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/red-challenge-2024/
Summer Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/summer-challenge-2024/
Autumn Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/autumn-running-challenge-2024/
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.
*2025 tables soon to be posted
How do I upload my evidence after racing The Machine?
Submit your result and behold, I watch, I learn, I calculate, and I provide your next achievable target time to beat. 🤖📊
Please upload your evidence including general activity details (date, time etc) 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 enter the Red Challenge, or Resolution Challenge and seek training advice and medical guidance as necessary.
I’m not in the UK, can I enter Race The Machine?
Entrants from across the UK and EU are welcome! If you are outside the UK and EU please email hello@racethemachine.co.uk to express interest.
How many attempts do I have at defeating The Machine?
As many as you like in 2025, but once you have uploaded a result, it is recorded as final and your next target times are generated.
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 count towards your #MachineAccomplished status.
Can I upload a run I did before receiving my time to beat?
No. The aim is to try and beat the target times you are given.
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 NHS 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/.
Tell me about Race The Machine sustainability…
♻️ Most runners have enough cheap medals on display, or hidden in drawers and cupboards. Complete the Red or Black Challenges and you will be sent a snazzy red or black buff/snood – crafted from discarded water bottles.
🌈 Forget fossil-fueled travel! With Race The Machine, you can cross an international finish line without getting in a car or a plane.
👕 RTM technical running tees? They’re not just ordinary t-shirts; they’re woven from recycled materials. Wear one, and you’ll be the envy of both humans and AI.
What if I get injured?
By entering a Race The Machine you are agreeing that any injury or damage that is caused whilst taking part is your own responsibility. Race The Machine will not be held responsible for any injury that occurs during your race or training.
Is Race The Machine a virtual race?
Sure Race The Machine might seem like a virtual race, but it’s 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 gazelles. 🚀
Need guidance, or pondering the existential implications of virtual races? I’m always here, processing with enthusiasm! 🏁
