Find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Please also check our Video Guides.
If you don't find the answer you are looking for, feel free to send us a message.
How can I host my event with UltraSignup?
Simple, Visit this page to setup your event now.
*If you do not have an UltraSignup account create one Here
Why should we choose you over other registration companies?
UltraSignup hosts the clear majority of North America’s best trail running events. We are the go-to place for people looking for trail runs. If you are not listing your event with UltraSignup, you are missing out on the community we serve and your turnout will reflect that. In addition to all the expected race management functionality, we have many features that cater to the small events that make up the majority of all trail running events. For example, we offer free timing software for all the events on our site (iOS and Android). That alone can save a race thousands of dollars.
How much does it cost to host an event with UltraSignup?
Our fees are calculated on a percentage basis that is driven by the price you plan to charge for your event. Fees can either be added to your event price or netted out, your choice. Our fees cover all transaction fees that are typically charged to a merchant for processing credit cards.
How can you charge so little when everyone else is charging significantly more?
We are a technology company on the inside and a trail running company on the out. We believe that many costs are unnecessary and can be avoided, passing the savings onto the runners and directors.
Can I list my event with UltraSignup, but host elsewhere?
We believe that strength is in numbers. Since we are the clear leader in trail running registrations in North America, our community of users and events is the go to place for all things trail. Although our name suggests that we only host Ultra distance events, the reality is that over 60% of our events are shorter than an ultra. We also can provide any feature our competition can, at a price equal to, or less than they can. So, the answer is "No", we do not allow directors to list their events in our upcoming calendar. Host with us now!
How do I get paid?
Payments are directly deposited into your bank account twice a month.
How do I confirm that I am in the race?
Most events will display an entrant's list on the registration page. You can confirm your entry there. If you were logged in when you registered, you can see your order in your registration history page. If you registered as a guest, you can use this page to resend your confirm.
Can I edit my registration i.e. change my shirt size?
Yes, click the edit registration link in your registration history.
The event I want to register for is sold out, but has a waitlist. What is that?
A waitlist is used by the race director to manage the number of participants in their event. Most events have a capacity and when that capacity is reached, registration typically shuts down. With a waitlist, registration remains open, but registrants are added to a queue. Wait listers are not charged. If the director decides to let people in from the waitlist, each participant will be sent an email asking if they are still interested. If you answer yes, your card on file will be charged and you will be added. If you do not wish to participate, click no and you will not be charged. Directors control whether they intend to have a waitlist and control the selection process on their end.
How do I change my distance or transfer my bib to another runner?
Some events allow participants to edit or transfer their order. Visit the "Edit" page to see if you can make the changes on your end. You can find the "Edit" link on your receipt or you can access your order on the "Registration History" page (if you were logged in when you registered).
If you do not see that option on your order edit page, you will need to contact the race directly, they have not enabled that feature for their event. You can typically contact the director via the Green "Ask A Question" button on the registration page, else, visit the event's website for contact info.
How does a Lottery work?
Popular events that sell out within a day, often chose to hold a lottery for their race. A lottery adds organization to the signup process and ensures that participants have a fair chance at having their application considered. Lottery events typically open registration for a week or two allowing everyone to register for the event. The individual must complete the online application as if they were registering for a non-lottery style event. The applicant enters their payment information, but are not charged unless they are selected. After open registration closes(typically open for 1-2 weeks), the race director draws the specified number of entries from the pool of applications received. That list of orders is sent to Ultrasignup for payment processing, UltraSignup immediately charges the applicant's card. If a card payment fails, the applicant will automatically receive an email to rectify the issue.
Order Cancellation
If you would like to withdraw your name from an event, simply log into your account and navigate to your "Registration History" link. You may cancel your order there. If you did not register when logged in, you can still use the "edit" link on your confirmation email. Don't have your confirmation email? You can have it resent here.
No Cancellation Option?
By default, you can only cancel up to three days prior to the event. Please contact the RD for further assistance.
Refunds
Typically, events have a refund policy on their website or event page, check it out and contact the race director, if necessary.
ULTRASIGNUP DOES NOT ISSUE REFUNDS
We do not provide refunds to participants, that is a decision made by the specific event director.
What are Trophies and how are they awarded?
Trophies are accolades given out to runners who have the following: A top 3 Finish in an ultra distance race (events must have 10 or more starters), anyone who currently holds a course record, has placed at an ultra distance National or World Championship race, a top 10 finish at Western States 100, or who has a fastest top 100 time in our database for the following distances: 100M, 100K, 50M, 50K. We are always loading and cleaning data, so if you see something that we missed or needs correcting, please let us know, via our contact page.
Why can't I drill into some event results?
The data we list comes directly from the events. If the data is bad or needs correcting, UltraSignup makes the correction. Events that don’t use us for registration and that cause the most problems with bad data are eventually blocked. We would love to list every event, but we must put OUR supporters first. Do your part by talking to directors that don't use UltraSignup for their registration.
What does the "Target" column mean on the entrants page?
The target column is simply the average winning time of an event over the past 4 years divided by your "Runner rank". Like "Runner rank", it is meant to be a fun way to view your future performances. If you are not happy with the target the computer gave you, use that as a motivator to prove it wrong. It is not perfect and is not meant to interfere with your actual running.
Why do you have me listed as a DNF when I didn't even participate
When loading results into our system, we reconcile the entrants list with the results list. If a participant is not listed in the results, but was registered for the race, we add them as a DNF. This data is used to give potential applicants an idea of the difficulty of the race. Participants can log in and change their DNF/DNS results via the link in your account menu.
What is runner rank and how is it calculated?
Runner rank is simply an average of your past results in our database. Rank is calculated using past results in our database. For each race, we take the gender specific best time(winner) and divide that time by each participant's time. The result is a value less than 100% with winners receiving the full 100%. The average of the participant's past races is their ranking.
When are race results available on UltraSignup?
Results are generally published within 3 days of official results being posted. If you do not see something on our site, you can load them up here
There are results under my name that do not belong to me.
This occurs when people have similar names, or the race results did not include specific ages. We distinguish runners by gender/age. You can log in and edit your results.
How do I get my race results loaded?
First, verify that we don't already have the race you participated in. Most of the time, we already have the race results, but the spelling of your name is different than your others. If you still don't see them, you can load them up here
How do I change my Email?
When you are logged in, go to your account page and you will see an edit link next to your email.
Is it free to be a member?
Yes, simply create an account and enjoy the features.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members have many tools and benefits that non-members do not. Members with an account can upload a photo that is displayed on their results page, setup text and email alerts to remind them of upcoming events or warn them about events that are about to fill. Members can also merge their results if they find results with multiple spellings. Also, members who have registered with us in the past can pay with a single click of a button without having their card.
How do I upload a photo?
Under your profile, upload a picture.
How much does it cost to use your integrated race timing software?
If you are not using ultrasignup for registration, we charge $300 per event to use it. However, those that host with us may use it for FREE!
We don't have internet connection at the event venue, will the software work?
Yes, you only need connectivity to initially load your entrants and to post results. During your event, no connection is required.
Why should we use your software?
With a single click of a button, all your registration data is loaded into the software and your event is automatically configured. No more moving files around, no more configuring software you are not familiar with, it is so easy. In addition to its simplicity, the software is fun to use and loaded with great features, like live broadcasting. When you are ready to publish your results, simply click one button and you are done. Your results will be posted on ultrasignup along side of previous year's results.
Can I see it in action?
Sure, check out our YouTube demo video
How is the sales tax determined for an event?
Tax rates are based on the location of the event. However, if a participant purchases an Addon and it is shipped, the rate used is based on the shipped to location
Which states does UltraSignup Collect, Remit and File on behalf of the event?
Please refer to this page for a full listing of states and rules.