Race Director FAQ: Checkpoint Race Ops

Answers for race directors considering Checkpoint

The questions race directors ask us most, answered plainly. Don’t see yours? Email us.

Getting started

What is Checkpoint Race Ops?

Race Ops is the part of Checkpoint built for race directors and volunteers. You set up your course, transition areas, checkpoints, rules of travel, and notes once, and volunteers use that setup to check teams in and out, log notes, and message race HQ in real time.

What devices does Checkpoint run on?

Checkpoint runs on iOS, Android, and the web, so race HQ can work from a laptop while volunteers use their phones.

How do volunteers sign in?

Volunteers can sign in with email and password, Google, or Apple. Volunteers without an account can use a code the race director emails them, with no password needed.

Does Checkpoint replace my registration or timing system?

No. Checkpoint is built for race-day operations and sits alongside the tools you already use for registration, course design, and timing. We’re working to integrate with the best partners in adventure racing.

On race day

Does Checkpoint work offline?

No. Checkpoint needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection so every update reaches race HQ in real time. For any Transition Area with unreliable signal, print backup check-in sheets before race day.

Can I print backup check-in sheets?

Yes. Checkpoint prints backup check-in sheets directly from the app, using the race data you’ve already loaded.

How do I know where teams are?

Volunteers check teams in and out of each Transition Area, and every action is timestamped. Race HQ sees check-ins, check-outs, and notes in real time. With sequential TAs, you can see which teams are still on which part of the course and which have missed a cut-off.

Can I message my volunteers?

Yes. Race Messages is a shared feed for everyone staffing the race. Messages from the race director carry an RD tag, and an unread indicator shows when something new has come in.

What if a volunteer makes a mistake?

Every check-in, check-out, note, and checkpoint entry appears in a team’s history and can be undone. Volunteers can undo what they recorded, and race admins can undo anyone’s entry.

Safety and cleanup

How does Checkpoint help with overdue teams?

Race directors set cut-off times, and a missed cut-off automatically triggers an in-app alert for the race director to review and act on. Volunteers and race HQ can also flag a team that needs attention. Alerts also keep DNF and short-course teams flagged until they’re confirmed back at HQ, and flag check-ins that happen out of order. Checkpoint supports your emergency plan. It does not replace it.

Does Checkpoint track course sweep and cleanup?

Yes. Sweep and cleanup are tracked separately from race-day events, so volunteers keep a clean view while the race is running.

Pricing and support

How much does Race Ops cost?

Race Ops is free for race directors through 2026. Starting in 2027, a $50/year subscription covers full access to the Race Ops platform for every race you direct.

Is Checkpoint free for racers?

Yes. Checkpoint is free for adventure racers, forever.

What if I need more than what’s included?

Email us and we’ll work with you to make sure Checkpoint can support your race.

How do I get started?

Email mike@mooseplanetadventureracing.com with your race name and date, and we’ll help you get set up.

Go deeper