FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Virtual challenge?
Virtual Races and challenges are a new approach to taking part in exercise. Complete the challenge by the discipline of your choice or as determined within the challenge parameters such as walking, running, swimming, cycling and many more distance based activity. You can complete in any location at anytime enabling you to fit this into your exercise routines and busy lifestyles.
Q. How does it work?
Step 1: Find a race or challenge on our website and purchase your entry by adding to your basket and checking out.
Step 2: Next, it’s time to get started! Check your inbox for your email instructions. This will also include your order number which you will need to submit your results with. Complete the challenge by exercising any distance related exercise such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, rowing machine in the gym or even horse riding! Ensure you track your distance using an app or watch of choice.
Step 3: Submit your results on our website form at the end of the challenge. You can choose to either share a URL link to your workouts from any app or you can attach photo evidence demonstrating you have completed the race or challenge. This can be anything from a photo of your tracking watch to a screenshot of an app. Your results will then be reviewed and your medal will be dispatched within 7 working days.
Q. How long do I have to complete the Challenge?
Our standard terms are results are to be submitted within 6 months from the day you sign up. If for any reason you need to extend this please contact us.
Q. Do you have an app?
No. We pride ourselves on value for money - if we had an app there would be additional running costs and development associated with this for every new challenge that we brought out and therefore we would have to increase our entry fee prices and include costs for shipping. We also believe there are many apps already on the market that do an excellent job of tracking distances and recording your fitness and therefore we will not be reinventing the wheel anytime soon.
Q. What can I use to Track my results?
You can use a fitness tracking watch to record your results. There are also many apps available that track distance such as; Strava, Runkeeper, Mapmyrun & many more which are free to use.
Many of which you can share a link to your workout, this is the easiest way to upload evidence is by sharing your URL link from your workout app.
You can also take photos of the monitors of gym equipment.
Finally, we also accept evidence from park runs and live races as well as written evidence should all the above not be an option for you.
Q. Can the race or challenge be split out into different stages?
Yes. You can choose to do the race or challenge all in one go or in separate stages that total the distance. We are flexible as everybody has different fitness levels and personal goals they want to acheive.
Q. Can I complete the distance using a combination of methods?
Yes. You can use as many (or as little) methods as you wish. For example, you could cycle part of the challenge and then use the rowing machine in the gym to complete the remaining. This is entirely your choice.
Q. Do I submit my results in one go or every time I complete a section of the distance?
Results must be sent upon completion in one go to prevent missing results along the way. Therefore it is important that all results are sent at the end of the challenge. If you are completing a long distance challenge, we recommend that you send one simple screenshot of a summary of results between a certain time frame.
A URL share link to this data is also accepted and is much easier for when you have multiple workouts. If you need guidance, feel free to get in touch!
Q. When will I receive my medal after submission?
Due to the volume of submissions, this can take up to 7 working days for your results to be verified & rewards dispatched.
Q. Are there any Social Media pages I can join for ACE Races?
Yes, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you’ll find the ACE Races team and virtual race enthusiasts posting race and challenge information, completion times, general motivation and socialising. Follow @aceracesuk on Instagram and Twitter and like our Facebook page
Q. Are virtual races for everyone?
Simply yes, there is something for everyone at all ages within our race catalogue. Events are fully inclusive from runners and wheelchair athletes to cyclists, swimmers and rowers.
Q. I want to run for charity, how do I go about this?
We have a selection of races which donate a proportion to charity, but if you wish to maximise fundraising we recommend setting up a just giving page and raise awareness of your challenge through social media. Please tag us in and we would be happy to share.
Please read How to Enter a race and Results Submission for further information.