---
title: Email invitation links
description: Join a private challenge automatically from an email invitation link
order: 5
---

# Email invitation links

Organizers can send **email invitations** with a personal join code. The link may log you in and enroll you in the challenge automatically.

## How the link works

1. You receive an email from the organizer or DistantRace with an invitation link.
2. Click the link. If you do not have an account, you are guided to sign up or log in.
3. DistantRace validates the join code tied to the link.
4. Depending on the event settings, you may be **enrolled immediately** or sent to the registration form.

## When auto-enroll happens

Automatic enrollment works when the challenge has:

- No required custom registration questions
- No age restriction that blocks you
- A clear distance assignment (if the challenge uses multiple distances)

If any of these apply, you are redirected to the normal [registration form](participate-in-a-challenge.md) instead.

::: warning Required questions block auto-enroll
If the organizer added mandatory apply questions or age limits, you must complete the registration form even after clicking the email link.
:::

## After auto-enroll

- You appear on the participant list
- Past activities in the challenge window may be **backfilled** to your result
- Connect your sports app if you have not already — see [Supported apps](../connections-with-apps/supported-apps.md)

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | What to do |
|---------|------------|
| Link expired or invalid | Ask the organizer for a new invitation |
| Code already used | Each individual code works for one account only |
| Redirected to apply form | Complete the form; the code is still applied |
| Wrong distance shown | Contact the organizer — the code may be tied to a specific distance |

## Related

- [Using a join code](using-a-join-code.md)
- [Join codes and invitations](../running-events/join-codes-and-invitations.md) (organizers)