Pacer Adventure Challenges and Virtual Races can include digital rewards (badges/certificates inside the app) and physical rewards (a finisher medal shipped to you). This article explains what each reward is, how you earn it, and when you can expect to receive it.
At a glance: what you get
Digital rewards (in-app / email)
Digital rewards are unlocked when you complete your challenge or race:
- E-badge / digital badge (shows in the Pacer app)
- E-certificate / finisher certificate (sent by email; often printable)
- Some challenges also include digital postcards/perks you unlock along the way
Physical reward (shipped to your address)
- A finisher medal delivered to your doorstep (shipping timing depends on the option you pick at checkout)
What is a Digital Badge?
A digital badge (E-badge) is an in-app reward that unlocks when you finish. It’s designed for quick recognition—no shipping required.
Key points
- Delivered instantly in the app once you complete
- Typically paired with an E-certificate sent via email
- No shipping address needed
- Great if you want a “finish reward” immediately or you’re not interested in physical medals
What is a Physical Medal?
A physical medal is the real, shipped finisher medal for your event.
Key points
- Shipped within about a week after either payment or completion (depends on what you selected at checkout)
- Delivery typically takes 7–20 business days after it ships, depending on destination
- Pacer offers global shipping, but some destinations can have delivery restrictions
Do I have to finish to get the medal?
That depends on your shipping preference at checkout:
Adventure Challenges (cumulative distance)
At checkout, you can choose:
- Ship medal only upon completion, or
- Ship immediately after registration
Virtual Races (single-session completion)
For races, the checkout language may be:
- “No completion, no medal” (medal ships only after you complete), or
- Ship at the first available time regardless of completion
Note: Virtual races work differently from cumulative challenges—races typically require completing the distance in one single session.
Which should I choose?
Choose based on what you want from the experience:
Pick Digital Badge / Certificate if you want:
- Immediate recognition (no waiting)
- No shipping, no address, no delivery concerns
- A shareable/printable certificate
Pick Physical Medal if you want:
- A real collectible medal shipped to you
- A tangible “finish line” reward to display
Many participants enjoy both: instant digital rewards + a physical medal delivered later.
When will I receive each reward?
Digital Badge / E-certificate
- Badge: unlocks upon completion in-app
- E-certificate: delivered by email after completion
Physical Medal
- Medals are generally sent within a week after payment or completion (based on your chosen shipping preference)
- Typical delivery time after shipping: 7–20 business days
Common questions
“I finished, but I don’t see my badge/certificate.”
Make sure you:
- Completed the required distance inside the same event (challenge vs race rules differ)
- Allowed time for progress to update if you are syncing from connected devices/apps (Garmin/Fitbit/Apple Watch/Apple Health/Google Fit/Samsung supported depending on event)
“My medal shipment is delayed / I need tracking / I need to change my shipping address.”
See the related Help Center articles under Virtual Challenges and Races With Medals (Shipping & Delivery section includes tracking, delays, and address changes).