---
title: Participate in virtual competitions
description: Register and record a GPS workout for a virtual timed race on DistantRace
order: 8
---

# Participate in virtual competitions

Virtual competitions are timed races over a set distance. You register, record one GPS-tracked workout, and DistantRace calculates your time to complete the distance.

## Registration

1. [Create an account](create-an-account.md) if needed.
2. Connect a sports app under [Connections](https://distantrace.com/en/accounts/social/) — use a [supported app](../connections-with-apps/supported-apps.md) with GPS.
3. Find the competition on [public events](https://distantrace.com/en/events/) or via the organizer's link.
4. Click **Registration** and complete the form.
5. If there is a fee, complete [checkout](register-for-in-person-competitions.md) — free events confirm immediately.

Some virtual competitions use a simplified **express registration** form (single page) — [Express registration](express-registration.md). Paid events redirect to the payment flow before you are fully registered.

Private events may require a [join code](using-a-join-code.md) first.

## Recording your activity

1. **Enable GPS** on your phone or watch before starting.
2. **Start** the activity in your sports app and complete at least the required distance.
3. You may continue past the distance; only time to the target distance counts.
4. **Save** the activity — it syncs to DistantRace.

For **distant race** and **challenge race** formats you may need to **pick which workout counts** and **finalize** your result — see [Selecting your virtual race workout](selecting-your-virtual-race-workout.md). Other virtual formats calculate automatically from the first valid sync.

::: tip Breaks count
Pause time is included in your result, similar to a real race — from start until you reach the required distance.
:::

## Results

Results appear after sync (and after you submit/finalize a workout if required). Check the competition [results and standings](viewing-competition-standings-and-team-results.md). Processing may take a few minutes.

## Related

- [Selecting your virtual race workout](selecting-your-virtual-race-workout.md)
- [Viewing competition course maps](viewing-competition-course-maps.md) — when the organizer published GPX routes
- [Express registration](express-registration.md)
- [Which type of event is this?](which-type-of-event-is-this.md)
- [Supported apps](../connections-with-apps/supported-apps.md)