---
title: Event types overview
description: Step challenges, sports challenges, virtual competitions, and in-person races on DistantRace
order: 2
---

# Event types overview

When you create an event in the DistantRace manager console, you choose a type. Each type has different settings and participant flows.

## Step challenges

Participants compete on **daily steps** synced from phone or watch. Best for corporate wellness and simple team events.

- Create: [Create a step challenge](create-a-step-challenge.md)
- Participants: [Participate in a challenge](../joining-events/participate-in-a-challenge.md)

## Sports activity challenges

Participants record **workouts** in sports apps (run, bike, active time, etc.). Distance, time, or active days accumulate over the event window.

Types in the create wizard:

| Type | Scoring focus |
|------|----------------|
| Running challenge | Run, walk, hike, orienteering distance |
| Cycling challenge | Ride distance |
| Active days challenge | Days meeting minimum activity time |
| Team challenge | Team standings across walk/run sports |
| CO₂ challenge | Estimated carbon savings from active travel |
| Energy challenge | Calories scored as kWh |
| Points challenge | Points per km across sports |
| Combined challenge | Steps + workouts + step game |

- Create: [Create a sports activity challenge](create-a-sports-activity-challenge.md), [Combined challenges](combined-challenges.md), [Points challenges](points-challenges.md), [CO₂, energy, and team challenges](co2-energy-and-team-challenges.md)

## Virtual competitions

Timed races over a **fixed distance** (for example 5 km run or 20 km bike). One GPS workout determines the result.

Wizard presets: run, bike, paddle/row, ski — [Virtual competition sport variants](virtual-competition-sport-variants.md).

- Create: [Create a virtual competition](create-a-virtual-competition.md)
- Participants: [Participate in virtual competitions](../joining-events/participate-in-virtual-competitions.md)

## In-person races

Ticket-based registration, payments, start lists, bib numbers, and timing integration for physical events.

- Create: [Create an in-person race](create-an-in-person-race.md)
- Participants: [Register for in-person competitions](../joining-events/register-for-in-person-competitions.md)

## After creating any event

1. Complete the [challenge settings walkthrough](challenge-settings-walkthrough.md) (challenges) or competition settings
2. Share via [Easy Access](share-your-event-easy-access.md)
3. Manage participants and results as the event runs