Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to understand how TruRace works, how competition is structured, and how membership connects to leaderboards and prizes.
Core concept
What is TruRace?
TruRace is a competition layer on top of existing running events. It groups participating runners into matched heats based on performance so more people can experience meaningful, head-to-head competition.
How is this different from a normal race?
Your race stays exactly the same. TruRace does not change the course, distances, or timing. It adds an additional layer of matched competition on top using the official results.
Do I need to register separately for the race?
Yes. You register for the race through the race organizer as usual, and you join TruRace separately as a member.
Leaderboards and competition
How do leaderboards work?
During the pilot, there is one overall leaderboard with no bands. Standings are based on points from TruRace results plus any pilot bonus points.
What is a race band?
Race bands are a post-pilot structure TruRace may use later. During the pilot, bands are not used for the leaderboard.
Can I change my race band?
There is no pilot race band to change. If bands are added after the pilot, TruRace will explain how selection and review work before they affect standings.
Do all my races count?
Leaderboards use a best N results model. Only your strongest results within a period count toward your standing, and a minimum number of races may be required for full eligibility.
What is a friends heat?
A friends heat is a social TruRace competition for runners doing the same race. It lets friends of different abilities compete by handicap instead of raw finish time.
Do friends heats count for payouts or leaderboards?
No. Friends heats are social only. They do not award prize payouts, TruRace leaderboard points, or prize eligibility.
How are friends heat results calculated?
TruRace locks each runner's expected time before the race. After official race results are available, the friends heat ranking is based on who beat their expected time by the largest percentage.
Can we rematch?
Yes. Friends heat result pages include group history, win counts, current streaks, shareable recap text, and a path to start a rematch at another race.
Prizes and payouts
Is this gambling?
No. Outcomes are determined by athletic performance, not chance. Membership fees are not entry fees for a specific prize pool, and prizes are awarded by TruRace based on verified results.
Where do prize payouts come from?
Prizes are funded by TruRace and structured through the membership model. They are not pooled directly from participants in a specific race or heat.
How do I become eligible for a prize?
For the pilot leaderboard, the final top three overall receive $500 for first, $300 for second, and $200 for third, subject to verified results and competition rules.
How are payouts handled?
Winners are required to verify identity and complete payment onboarding. Payouts are processed through a payment provider after results are confirmed and approved.
Membership
What does my membership actually give me?
Membership gives you access to TruRace competition, including matched heats, leaderboard participation, and potential prize eligibility depending on your tier.
What is the 12-month membership period?
Many features, including prize eligibility and progression, operate on a rolling 12-month period tied to your active membership rather than a fixed calendar year.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. You can cancel your membership, but cancellations may affect eligibility for future competitions, leaderboards, and prize progression.
Race organizers
Do race organizers have to change anything?
No. TruRace is designed to sit on top of existing races. Organizers do not need to change their course, timing, or event structure.
What does TruRace need from organizers?
Primarily access to official results and basic coordination. TruRace handles its own matching, leaderboard logic, and payouts.
Why would an organizer want this?
It can increase runner engagement, create a stronger competitive experience for more participants, and give runners a reason to return across multiple events.
Integrity and fairness
How do you prevent cheating or manipulation?
TruRace verifies results using official race data and may request additional proof. Suspicious or unverifiable results can be excluded, and accounts may be penalized or removed.
What if someone chooses the wrong race band?
Race bands are not used during the pilot leaderboard. TruRace may still review suspicious seed times, proof, or results to protect competitive integrity.
Are all races treated equally?
Not always. TruRace may exclude or adjust results from races that are not reasonably comparable due to course conditions, data quality, or other integrity concerns.
Still have questions?
If something is unclear or you want to talk through how TruRace fits your situation, reach out directly.