---
title: Which type of event is this?
description: Understand the difference between challenges, virtual competitions, and in-person races on DistantRace
order: 3
---

# Which type of event is this?

DistantRace hosts several event types. The registration and activity-recording steps differ, so identify your event type first.

## Step and sports activity challenges

**Challenges** run over days or weeks. You register once, then activities or steps sync automatically during the event window.

| Kind | What counts | Example |
|------|-------------|---------|
| Step challenge | Daily steps from phone or watch | 10,000 steps per day for 30 days |
| Running / cycling challenge | Distance from sports app workouts | Run 100 km in a month |
| Active days challenge | Days with enough activity time | 20 active days in 4 weeks |
| Combined / points challenge | Steps plus workouts, or points per km | Corporate wellness program |

**How to join:** [Participate in a challenge](participate-in-a-challenge.md)

## Virtual competitions

**Virtual competitions** are timed efforts over a fixed distance — for example, run 5 km as fast as you can within the event dates. You record one GPS-tracked workout; DistantRace calculates your time to complete the required distance.

**How to join:** [Participate in virtual competitions](participate-in-virtual-competitions.md)

## In-person races

**In-person races** use ticket-based registration. You choose a distance, fill in participant details, and pay online (or on race day if the organizer allows it). You receive a confirmation and appear on the start list.

**How to join:** [Register for in-person competitions](register-for-in-person-competitions.md)

## Private events

Some events are **unlisted** or **private**. You need a link from the organizer and sometimes a [join code](using-a-join-code.md) or [email invitation](email-invitation-links.md).

## Quick comparison

| | Challenge | Virtual competition | In-person race |
|---|-----------|---------------------|----------------|
| Duration | Multi-day window | Single effort in window | Fixed race day |
| Registration | Apply form | Apply or ticket flow | Tickets + payment |
| Activity | Ongoing sync | One GPS workout | Physical participation |
| Results | Live leaderboard | Time to distance | Timing / start list |