The short answer: you can sign up for a virtual fall running challenge in about two minutes. Register online, download the challenge's tracking app, set a distance goal, and start logging miles anywhere you like — no start line required. Our current season, Fall Frenzy 2026, runs August 20 through October 31, 2026. Registration is $55 and includes the Run Across America tracking app, your choice of premium seasonal merch, team features, badge challenges, and the option to turn your miles into donated meals through our Feeding America matching program.
Here's how it all works — and how to pick the right fall challenge for you, whether that's ours or someone else's.
What is a virtual fall running challenge?
A virtual running challenge is an organized event you complete on your own schedule, on routes you choose, while an app tracks your progress toward a distance goal. Unlike a traditional race, there's no single race day: a fall challenge typically runs for weeks or months, so consistency matters more than speed. Most challenges include some mix of progress tracking, badges or medals, leaderboards, team features, and physical rewards like shirts or finisher medals.
Fall is the most popular season for these events for a simple reason: the weather finally cooperates, and a structured goal is the easiest way to stay consistent as the days get shorter.
How do I sign up?
Joining takes five steps:
- Register at nationwiderun.org. During checkout you'll pick your seasonal merch and can add an optional Feeding America contribution — which we match 100%.
- Download the Run Across America app using the unique code we send you after registration. Our Getting Started guide walks through setup.
- Set your movement goal — anywhere from 50 km to 500 km for the season. You can be a first-time walker or a marathoner; the goal is yours.
- Create or join a team (optional) and invite friends, family, or coworkers.
- Start moving. Track activities in the app, watch your progress add up, and unlock bonus challenges along the way.
What's included when I register?
- Season entry to Fall Frenzy 2026, including all bonus challenges and virtual 5K events held during the season
- The Run Across America tracking app, which supports 56 activity types and imports from Apple Health and Strava
- Your choice of premium seasonal merch, like our super-soft Fall Frenzy tee
- Teams — create as many as you like, from Book Club to Family Reunion, and chase shared goals together
- Badges and leaderboards for seasonal and bonus challenges
You can also add a commemorative Fall Frenzy finisher medal — a full-color 4" steel medal crafted by Ashworth Awards, the same partner that has made Boston Marathon medals for over 30 years.
Do I have to run?
No. Sprint, jog, walk, hike, roll, kayak — the app tracks 56 activity types, and every one of them counts toward your goal. Plenty of participants complete their entire season walking. You can even add your dog and count your daily walks together.
How long do I have to finish?
The whole season. Fall Frenzy 2026 runs August 20 through October 31, 2026, and because you choose your own goal (50–500 km), you also effectively choose your own pace. There is no fixed race day — a busy week doesn't knock you out of the challenge, and there's no cutoff time breathing down your neck.
Can I do a fall challenge with friends or family?
Yes — and it's the single best predictor of actually finishing. In the Run Across America app you can create team goals, earn badges for hitting them together, and join multiple teams at once for the different circles in your life. Families often register everyone in one order; each registrant gets their own code so everyone tracks on their own phone.
What other virtual fall challenges are out there?
We think Fall Frenzy is the best all-around fall challenge, but it isn't the only good one. Depending on what you're after:
- The Conqueror — solo virtual challenges along famous real-world routes, with a medal per completed route. Great if you prefer a map-based journey to a seasonal format.
- RunSignUp challenge listings — thousands of local and charity virtual races, often benefiting a specific hometown cause.
- Run The Edge (Run the Year) — a year-long mileage target rather than a seasonal one.
- Gourdy's Pumpkin Run — a themed one-off fall fun run rather than a season-long challenge.
Where Fall Frenzy stands apart: a flexible goal you pick yourself, real teams with shared goals, premium merch included in registration, and a charitable match — every dollar contributed to Feeding America through our site is matched 100%, and each $1 helps provide 10 meals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a virtual fall running challenge cost?
Registration for Fall Frenzy 2026 is $55 and includes the app, season entry, and your choice of premium merch. If you plan to keep moving all year, the Daily Distance annual pass covers every season at a discount over registering one season at a time.
When does the current season run?
Fall Frenzy 2026 runs August 20 through October 31, 2026. You can register before or after the start date — your goal is for the season, not a single day.
Can I join after the season has started?
Yes. Because you set your own distance goal, joining mid-season just means picking a goal that fits the time remaining.
Do I get a medal?
Badges in the app are included for seasonal and bonus challenges. The physical finisher medal is an optional add-on, custom cut from steel by Ashworth Awards.
Does my participation support charity?
If you choose to add a Feeding America contribution at registration, Run Across America matches it 100%, and every $1 helps provide 10 meals through Feeding America's nationwide network of food banks. Read more in our guide to how virtual challenges turn miles into meals.
Have more questions about the app itself? Visit the App Help Center.