Athlete FAQ:
Q: What exactly is a Virtual Race?
A: No, it doesn’t require VR goggles, it simply means that you run your Race’s distance all on your own and report your time to the Event by claiming your Virtual Race Page.
Q: I don’t recall registering for a Virtual Race. Why was I contacted about a Virtual Race on Athlinks?
A: Your Event may have converted their Race to a Virtual Race -- congrats! You now have a way to participate in the race. For more information, please contact your Race Director.
Q: Where can I find the distance of my Virtual Race?
A: You can find your distance on Your Virtual Race Page 
Q: Where can I find my Virtual Race Page?
A: In most cases, you can find a link to your Virtual Race Page in an email from Athlinks. However, if you did not receive an email from Athlinks, you can find your Virtual Race Page by navigating to your Event’s Result page in Athlinks and by searching for your name.
Q: I can’t find my Event’s Results in Athlinks
A: If you are unable to find your Event in Search https://www.athlinks.com/search/events?category=events&term= please contact support.
Q: I found my Event, but I’m unable to find my name in the Virtual Race Page.
A: Please ensure that you are looking at Results, and you have selected the appropriate year for you Event. If you are still missing, please contact the race Event.
Q: How do I submit a time for someone under 16?
A: NEW!! We have updated the input method for athletes under 16. Please be sure to use the link from your Athlinks Virtual Race email to navigate to your Time Input page.
Q: Can I run my Virtual Race on a treadmill?
A: We don’t see why not.
Q: How do I add my time to my Virtual Race Page
A: There are 2 ways to enter your time.
1. Use the link in your Athlinks Virtual Race email to get to your exclusive Time Input page. Once you've entered a time, you'll be able to claim your result to your Athlinks profile.
2. You can search for your name on your Event Result Page, claim your Virtual Race Page which will require that you either sign into your Athlinks account, or join Athlinks, and post there.
Q: I’m unable to claim my Virtual Race Page. It says that it must be approved
A: Our claiming engine checks to ensure that only the right person can claim a Result by matching available information. If any of your information does not match, you will have to go through a claim approval first. We work through claim requests daily and will ensure that your time will be able to be submitted.
Q: What if I registered multiple Athletes, can I claim multiple Virtual Race Pages?
A: No, an Athlinks account can only claim your own Race Pages and Results. If you registered multiple Athletes, each of these runners will need to Claim their own Race Page. To enter a time for multiple athletes, please follow each persons exclusive link from the email.
Q: Are there Awards for my Virtual Race?
A: Typically not, but that is up to your Event Organizer.
Q: How are times verified?
A: Virtual Races are on the honor system. We figure if somebody is going to take the time to cheat, they’re going to cheat. The fantastic thing about Athlinks is that an entire Athlinks’ race history is accessible from their profile page.
Q: What’s the best way to record my time?
A: There are numerous ways to record your time. Here is a list of some Apps that make it easy:
- Strava
- Fitbit
- MapMyRun
- Garmin Connect
- Or your dad’s Timex from the 90’s
Q: Can I edit my time after adding it to my Virtual Race Page?
A: Yes; after you post your time, you should still be able to see the dark "Post Your Time" box underneath the time you submitted. Feel free to edit if you made a mistake, but keep it honest. The world is watching ;) (Note - you must be logged in to see this option & it must be before the event end date to submit results.)
Q: Is there a cutoff time when I can no longer edit or enter my Virtual Race Time?
A: Most Virtual Races allow you to manage your times all the way up until your Event’s date at midnight. If there is a cutoff time, the cutoff time will be listed on the Virtual Race Page. If you need to submit a time after that, please contact your Race Director. 
Q: What is a Virtual Race Report?
A: This is a place to describe how your Virtual Race went. Some people post links to their recorded run on their fitness tracker, while others share how they were feeling that day and how their run went. Feel free to be creative and write a haiku!
Q: I’m using the Athlinks App and am unable to add my Virtual Race Time.
A: Please use athlinks.com instead of the App