Race The Machine is a virtual race with ‘an exciting twist’: it doesn’t pit runners against the clock, or other runners, but against their own potential. As, in its creator's view, ‘all runners are at their best when they have a target to aim for’, Race the Machine will provide runners with ‘hard but achievable’ target times – based on their own recent best times – to beat.  

The man behind the idea, Michael Loudon, says: "In 2020 I created ‘virtual races’ and challenges to keep the members of my running club motivated during the pandemic. One of these ideas involved challenging members to beat personal and achievable time targets. Race The Machine was born."

Race The Machine is definitely different from your typical virtual race. This challenge is about attempting to beat achievable running time targets for your ability level across a series of distances. The challenge works equally well for beginners as it does very experienced runners. All are welcome and everyone can Race The Machine and succeed.

When you enter a Race The Machine challenge, you will be asked for your current 5K time. From that time, your personal and achievable time targets will be calculated. Times are calculated based on a well-used formula in running, the calculation has been modified to develop a challenge that progresses from easy/moderate to challenging across four distances.

As Loudon explains: “Every runner benefits from realistic tailor-made targets, and beating yourself and your expectations provides an unrivalled sense of satisfaction." 

Race The Machine is committed to making choices that limit environmental impact. As most runners have enough medals on display, (or hidden in drawers and cupboards), achievements will be marked with a red/black recycled buff and 10% of all profits from 2023 entries will go to good causes.

If you'd like to know more visit the Race Against The Machine website. 

Image: Pixabay