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 racing league layered on top of existing running events. It groups participating runners into matched heats based on performance so runners at every level can get rivals, compete to win, and climb a leaderboard.
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.
Is TruRace just about prize money?
No. Prize opportunities are part of the hook, but the bigger idea is a racing league where everyone gets matched opponents, a real chance to win their heat, familiar names across races, rematches, recognition, and a leaderboard to climb.
Is this an elite running league or a running club?
No. TruRace is not only for elite runners, and it is not a training club. It is a competition format for runners at every level: you race people near your ability, try to win your heat, and build your standing over time.
Does TruRace replace racing for a PR?
No. Running for time will always be part of racing. TruRace makes that effort more exciting because a PR, season best, or strong race can also beat matched rivals, win your heat, and move you up the leaderboard.
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. Standings are based on points from TruRace results plus any pilot bonus points, so separate race mornings can become part of one ongoing season where every level has something to chase.
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?
Usually no. Self-created friends heats are social only and do not award prize payouts, TruRace leaderboard points, or prize eligibility. During the pilot, TruRace may create an admin-formed friends heat from unfilled entries; if TruRace marks that admin-formed heat prize eligible, it also awards leaderboard points.
How are friends heat results calculated?
TruRace locks each runner's expected time before the race. After official results are available, TruRace calculates an adjusted handicap score: how much the runner beat expectation, weighted by how fast that expectation was compared with race-distance standards.
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.
Race day
How do I check in on race day?
Find the TruRace booth or check-in table before your race. We will verify your identity and give you the wristband assigned to your specific heat. If you still need in-person help verifying a time, we will try to help at the booth, but the best option is to complete verification online before race day.
Do I have to run with my heat?
For chip-timed events, no. TruRace uses chip time to determine the heat winner, so you do not have to start next to the runners in your heat. If you want to run with your heat, meet at the TruRace booth well before the official race start so the group can go to the starting line together.
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?
During the free pilot, all pilot competitors can request competitive heat placement. The first 10 full finalized competitive heats per race include a $100 TruRace-funded bonus and prize swag for the heat winner. Heats that do not fill may be moved into an admin-formed friends heat using normal handicap times to determine a winner; TruRace decides whether that admin-formed heat is prize eligible. The final pilot leaderboard also pays $500 for first, $300 for second, and $200 for third, subject to verified results and published rules.
How are payouts handled?
Prize-eligible winners are required to verify identity and complete payment onboarding. Cash payouts are processed through a payment provider after results are confirmed and approved, and prize swag details follow after review.
How do winners get prize swag?
Free and pilot winners pick up prize swag at a designated TruRace location or at a later race. Paid members get one free prize-swag shipment per membership year; shipment can be requested after registering for a future race.
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.
Do I need a paid membership during the pilot?
No. Free pilot prize heats are available to all pilot competitors while pilot mode is active, including the $100 heat-winner bonus and prize swag for eligible finalized pilot heats. If a pilot heat does not fill, TruRace may move it into an admin-formed friends heat and decide whether that admin-formed heat is prize eligible. Paid memberships are optional during the pilot; paid members can race for their larger membership-tier prize when their heat is prize-eligible and receive extra race-day swag, currently planned as a TruRace hat.
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 submits misleading information?
TruRace may review suspicious seed times, proof, or results to protect competitive integrity. False or unverifiable information can affect leaderboard and prize eligibility.
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.