Challenge setup guide

Distance Ladder

A staged race with independent distance targets, from an entry milestone to a larger challenge.

What is this challenge about?

A Distance Ladder contains several independent targets, such as 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km. Participants can attempt whichever target suits them, and each target produces its own result. The targets are not one cumulative distance goal and do not require a participant to complete the earlier stages first.

How do participants win or achieve the goal?

Each stage is achieved by completing its target distance with a qualifying activity. Participants are ranked separately for each stage by qualifying time. A participant may earn results for one stage, several stages, or all stages during the challenge period.

How participants track progress

Leaderboard: view stage-by-stage qualification, time, rank, and gap to the leader.
Statistics: compare qualification counts and supporting distance trends.
Stream: see which activities completed a stage or failed to qualify.
My Activities: review personal bests for each target.

Key configuration options

Race format

Choose a staged race objective.
Set the format to Independent targets.
Use individual-stage timing.

Stage definitions

Give every stage a clear label.
Set a positive distance target.
Choose eligible activity types and GPS policy per stage.

Optional configuration

Change the number and size of the targets, use cycling or another activity instead of running, or allow non-GPS fallback where the stage supports it. If participants must complete stages in order, change the format to sequential stages and explain the resulting rule.

How to set it up

Select Distance Ladder and set the challenge dates.
In Challenge Settings, open Basics and select Staged race.
Choose Independent targets and individual-stage timing.
In the stage editor, set each label, target distance, activity type, and GPS policy.
Save, then test one activity against one stage before inviting participants.

Challenge Settings staged race editor showing an independent target, target distance, activity types, and GPS fallback controls — Key setup screen: define each independent target in the staged-race editor.

Common mistakes

Calling the ladder sequential when participants are allowed to attempt stages independently.
Using ambiguous stage labels that do not state the target.
Forgetting that each stage can have its own eligible activity and GPS policy.

Ready to create it? Choose Distance Ladder and make every target understandable at a glance.

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