How to enter Race The Machine.
Simply enter the Race The Machine Red Running Challenge 2024 or Black Running Challenge 2024: https://racethemachine.co.uk/enter/
How far do I run?
The Red Running Challenge covers 1500 Metres, 3 Kilometres, 5 Kilometres, and 10 Kilometres. The Black Running Challenge cover 1500 Metres, 5 Kilometres,10 Kilometres, and a Half Marathon.
Where can I find my results, & times to beat?
Black Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/black-challenge-2024/
Red Challenge: https://racethemachine.co.uk/red-challenge-2024/
To find your own times and results , just search for your name or scroll down on the times/results table – it is as simple as that.
How do I upload my evidence after racing The Machine?
Once you have completed your challenge, simply visit submit a result. 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.
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 only (longest distance 10K).
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.
How long do I have to complete the challenge?
You can complete your distances at any point in 2024! Evidence must be uploaded by 31 December to be included.
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, and get a lot out of it.
Whether it is running, run/walking, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you provide an accurate estimate of your ability level now.
If you are relatively new to running; you are advised to enter the Red 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 can I have at defeating The Machine at a given distance?
As many as you like in 2024, but once you have uploaded your times, they are recorded as final.
What happens if The Machine beats me?
Whilst it would be nice to do so, not every entrant will beat every Machine as they progress through the challenge. Race The Machine is about encouraging entrants and target times adjust with your results.
If you don’t beat a time given to you, still submit your evidence. The distances will be marked as complete, and count towards your #MachineAccomplished status.
How do I win?
✅ 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 easy is Race The Machine? Does it get harder as you progress?
After a relatively easy/moderate start; Race The Machine is designed to get slightly harder over the 4 distances. However all target times will be achievable for you based on the information you provide and your results.
How are the times calculated?
Your times are calculated based on a widely used formula devised by a research engineer and runner. This formula has been modified to develop an innovative challenge across the series of distances.
Can I upload a run I did before receiving my time to beat?
No you can’t. 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/.
No medals?
Most runners have enough medals on display, or hidden in drawers and cupboards. A recycled red buff will be sent out to you when you complete the Red Challenge. To join the “black buff club,” you must complete the Black Challenge. A Race The Machine technical running t-shirt can also be purchased.
Please note that if you provide an incorrect address (and items are sent to the wrong address or are not received at all) there will be an extra fee to send a replacement.
Is Race The Machine a virtual race?
Race The Machine isn’t virtually anything. Okay, Race The Machine may look like a virtual race at first glance, but this concept is a little different and is designed to encapsulate the best of running – working towards achievable, personal, targets.