FAQ
You guys are Roadless Races, do I have to run/walk or ride on trails for this challenge?
Nope, run/walk or ride anywhere - trails, roads, sidewalks, beach, grass, greenways, gravel, a track, on the treadmill in your garage, etc. Of course, we think trails are the bee's knees and encourage you to explore and discover the tranquility, beauty, and health benefits of running or biking on trails. But, this is a personal challenge, NOT A RACE. So, challenge yourself, have fun, and RUN, RIDE, PADDLE, and SWIM MORE - that's what this is all about! With this said, within this event we do have the bonus ALL TRAIL CHALLENGE. This is an additional 'challenge within a challenge' and the goal is to complete and log 31+ TRAIL or OFF-ROAD ACTIVITIES during July. If you run/walk or bike on a trail, and the trail portion of that activity is the majority (50%+) of your run/ride, write TRAIL in the comments section when you log that activity in the results. This will enable us to track your trail activities. Swimming and paddling are automatically counted as off-road/trail. If you complete this additional bonus challenge, you will earn a sweet Roadless Races Trucker Hat.
For the ALL TRAIL CHALLENGE, can you define what counts as a trail?
We love natural surface trails but think all trails are great because they get you off the road and are usually in a natural setting. So, paved greenway trails, crushed gravel trails, single-track trails, beach, grass, all count as trail miles. Roads, sidewalks, or treadmill miles are great for the overall challenge but should not be counted as trail miles.
Can I count walking as part of my normal day for running/walking miles or taking the kids to the pool for swimming miles?
The intent is really what we are going for. In the spirit of the challenge, you should be intentional with each of your activities. If you take the kids to the pool and are able to knock out 10 laps while they are playing (supervised, of course:), then yes, this counts. Or, if you choose to walk somewhere instead of driving to accumulate some walking miles, yes this counts. Walking around the house, the office, or grocery store do not count:)
How do I input my swimming 'miles'?
When logging your swimming activity in the online system, you will be able to convert from yards or meters to miles.
How do the digital badges work?
Throughout the event, you will earn digital badges for achieving milestones such as accumulated miles, overall activities completed, and consecutive days of activity. Check out your Trophy Case in your Individual Result Summary Page to see your badges. Here are the badges you can earn:
- Individual Distance - 10, 25, 31, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500+ Miles (how far will you go?)
- Team Distance - 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000+ Miles (how far will your team go?)
- 31 Activity Challenge - 16 activities completed (multiple activities/day are all counted)
- 31 Activity Challenge - 31 activities completed (multiple activities/day are all counted)
- Every Day Challenge - 16 consecutive days with an activity (from 7/1-7/16)
- Every Day Challenge - 31 consecutive days with an activity (from 7/1-7/31)
Do I have to complete all 31 miles during one activity?
No, no, no - ACCUMULATE those miles over multiple activities during the month of July. Of course, if you want to grind out those miles all in one go, have at it!
What happens if I miss a day of inputting my results?
No problem. You can input results after every activity, every day, once every few days, etc. Just make sure the date is correct for each inputted activity. This is important if you are going for the bonus EVERY DAY CHALLENGE.
What happens if I surpass my mileage goal?
The default mileage goal is 31 miles. You can change your goal in the runsignup online platform when you enter your results. We have set up the results so you can surpass your mileage goal. Run/walk, ride, paddle, and swim as much as you can during July and if you surpass your mileage goal then 'good on ya' and we will celebrate with you!
What happens if I do not complete my miles?
Life happens and sometimes, in spite of our best intentions, we fall short of our goals. Do your best to meet your mileage goal and if you don't succeed, hey, you gave it your best shot and that's an accomplishment in itself. FYI - you can always reassess your mileage goal change your goal if you like.
I didn't learn about this challenge until after it started on July 1st, can I still participate?
Absolutely, you have until July 10th to sign up.
How do teams work?
Adventures are more fun with friends so create a team and invite your friends to join you in this challenge. Teams can have up to 8 members. Track the progress of your teammates and cheer them on! See how many miles your team can accumulate and compare with other teams. Awards will be given to the top three teams with the most overall miles.
NOTE: This is not a relay so all team members will still be shooting for their individual mileage goal of 31 miles. Again, you may change your mileage goal when you input your results.
How do I create a team or join a team?
During registration, you will be asked if you would like to create or join a team. Click yes and follow the instructions. You can also create or join a team after you register by logging into runsignup, going to your profile, selecting the manage registration link in the Roadless Races Virtual Challenge section under upcoming races, and choosing the groups/teams link in the top navigation.
What are the giveaways all about?
All participants are eligible to win random giveaway prizes distributed at three intervals (on day 10, day 20, and at the end of the challenge). Giveaways include great stuff like Goodr Sunglasses, Body Glide, Cotopaxi bags, and Roadless Races swag.
