Pacer offers two different ways to participate in Virtual Challenges. They look similar in the app, but they include different rewards and benefits.
This article explains what you get with each option, what you don’t get, and which one to choose.
Quick comparison
| Option | Virtual Challenge Subscription (Pacer Premium) | One-Time Purchase (Challenge Registration) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | You want ongoing access and premium features | You want a specific challenge + physical reward |
| What you get | Pacer Premium features + access to Pacer Adventure Challenges; wearable syncing access (Fitbit/Garmin) | Access to the digital challenge experience + finisher medal for that purchased challenge (and related unlocks) |
| What you don't get | A physical finisher medal for each challenge (subscription participation is typically medal-free) | It’s not a subscription; does not unlock all Premium features for general use |
1) Virtual Challenge Subscription (Pacer Premium)
What’s included
With a Pacer Premium subscription, you unlock Premium features and content, including:
- Access to Pacer Adventure Challenges (challenge experiences available to Premium members)
- Fitbit & Garmin syncing access (Premium includes wearable syncing access)
Some Pacer communications describe Premium participation in Adventure Challenges as “medal-free” (digital participation without physical medals).
What’s NOT included
- A physical finisher medal shipment for each challenge (Premium participation is generally described as medal-free).
- Any shipping-related options that come with a medal purchase (because there is no physical medal tied to a Premium-only participation).
2) One-Time Purchase (Challenge Registration)
A one-time purchase is when you register for a specific Virtual Challenge (for example, via the Pacer Virtual Challenges site or a purchase flow that provides a registration code).
What’s included
Your registration purchase includes:
- Access to the digital experience for the chosen challenge
- A finisher medal for that challenge
- Many challenges also include digital rewards such as an in-app badge and an e-certificate (often delivered by email).
- The Pacer Virtual Challenges site also describes receiving a medal and an E-certificate as part of the “Register, Move, Earn” flow.
Important: you do not need Premium for a paid registration
If you purchased a challenge registration, you don’t need to subscribe to Premium just to complete it:
- The registration code you receive grants access to the challenge/race and the finisher medal (and the features needed to complete it).
What’s NOT included
- This does not automatically unlock all Pacer Premium features for general use (Premium is a separate subscription product).
- Pricing may vary by challenge; additional tax may apply in some regions (shown during checkout).
Medals vs digital rewards (important clarification)
Virtual Challenges and Virtual Races can include:
- Digital rewards (badge in-app; e-certificate by email; sometimes postcards/perks)
- Physical rewards (a finisher medal shipped to you; shipping timing depends on what you select at checkout)
If you care most about the physical medal, a one-time registration purchase is the correct path because it explicitly includes the finisher medal.
Which option should I choose?
Choose Pacer Premium (subscription) if:
- You want ongoing Premium features (analytics, content, etc.) and Adventure Challenge access over time
- You don’t need a physical medal for each challenge (participation is typically medal-free)
Choose a one-time purchase if:
- You want a specific event and the physical finisher medal included
- You don’t want an ongoing subscription (you only want to pay once)