Frequently Asked Questions

MysteryRun is a unique running challenge platform where races start at completely random times within predetermined windows. Instead of knowing exactly when your race begins, you only know the potential timeframe (usually spanning several months). When the race actually starts, you receive a notification and have exactly 24 hours to complete your run.

This approach eliminates over-planning and forces you to maintain constant readiness, building both physical fitness and mental resilience. It's about being prepared for life's unexpected moments!

You'll receive instant notifications through multiple channels:

• Email notification to your registered address
• WhatsApp message (available in select regions)
• Telegram notification (if connected)
• Website notification when you visit the platform

We highly recommend enabling multiple notification methods to ensure you don't miss the start signal. You can configure your notification preferences in your account settings.

This is part of the challenge! MysteryRun is designed to test your adaptability and readiness. However, we understand life happens:

• Medical emergencies and serious illness are valid exceptions
• Extreme weather conditions that make running unsafe
• Family emergencies that require immediate attention
• You can register for the next available race at any time

The goal is to develop a lifestyle where you're consistently prepared for unexpected opportunities to challenge yourself. Part of the mystery is learning to adapt!

Great news! MysteryRun is currently completely free to join and participate in all races!

As we're building our community and refining the platform, we want everyone to experience the thrill of mystery racing without any barriers. This includes:

• Free registration for all race distances
• Access to all notification methods
• Community features and leaderboards
• Activity tracking and progress monitoring

We may introduce optional premium features in the future, but the core MysteryRun experience will always remain accessible to everyone.

We make it easy to submit your completion through several methods:

• Strava integration - Connect your Strava account for automatic activity sync
• Manual upload - Submit screenshot from our favourite running app - Nike Run Club, RunKeeper, etc.

Strava Integration: Our preferred method! Connect your Strava account and your qualifying activities will be automatically detected and verified when you complete them within the race window.

We operate on an honor system combined with automated verification. The community spirit is built on trust and mutual encouragement.

Your safety always comes first:

• Choose your own route and running conditions
• Run with friends or in groups when possible
• Inform someone about your running plans
• Carry identification and emergency contacts
• Trust your judgment about weather and conditions
• Use well-lit, familiar routes if running at night

If conditions are unsafe (severe weather, injury, illness, etc.), prioritize your wellbeing. Document the situation if needed and try again next time. There's always another mystery race coming!

We offer mystery races at standard distances to suit all fitness levels:

• 1K (3.1 miles) - Perfect for beginners and busy schedules
• 5K (3.1 miles) - Perfect for beginners and busy schedules
• 10K (6.2 miles) - Popular challenge distance
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - Serious endurance test

You can register for multiple distances simultaneously - each race is independent, so you might get a 5K notification this week and a half marathon next month!

Special themed challenges and unique distances may be introduced based on community feedback and seasonal events.

All race timing is designed to be fair across time zones:

• Race announcements are made globally at the same moment
• Your 24-hour countdown begins when the race is announced
• Deadlines are automatically calculated for your local time zone
• Leaderboards account for when you started relative to the announcement

Getting started is quick and easy:

• Email registration - Create account with your email address
• Google login - Use your existing Google account
• Strava login - Use your existing Strava account

After registration:

1. Verify your email address
2. Complete your profile with notification preferences
3. Connect your Strava account (recommended)
4. Register for your first mystery race
5. Wait for the mystery to begin!

The entire process takes less than 5 minutes, and you'll be ready for your first surprise challenge.