I first discovered RunBet almost 2 years ago. In that time, I’ve now done too many challenges to count. What is Runbet? Why do I keep participating in the challenges? I am going to tell you how RunBet keeps you motivated to move more.
What is RunBet and how does it work?
RunBet is basically an app based game (free app) that encourages you to run (or walk) consistently. Each game has it’s own rules on how many runs per week are required and for how long (ie. 30 min). You can choose a game that fits your current lifestyle or fitness level. Games start each week and vary in length from four to six to 8 weeks.
My game required 4 runs per week with a 30 minute or more duration at under an 18 minute per mile pace for 4 weeks. Because I normally run 3 days per week, I would be walking the 4th run. As long as my walk was under an 18 minute mile it would count.
What’s the bet part?
At the start of each game, each player has to “bet” a set amount of money on themselves to play. My game had a $30 bet. As long as you complete the required number of runs per week, you get all of your money back. Simple as that! If someone else in your game drops out, their original fee is split between the remaining players. Getting outside daily for a run or a walk has been key to my mental health lately. Runbet motivates me to do just that.
How do I play?
- First, visit Runbet on a laptop/computer to create an account.
- Download the RunBet app and find a game that fits your schedule and frequency of runs and or walks.
- Bet on yourself to achieve the given number of runs required each week.
- Run on a treadmill or outdoors (runs must sync from Garmin, Strava or Runkeeper directly to RunBet to count).
- Hit all your goals in the required amount of time and you win your own money back.
Keeping score
Once your game starts, you will see a game board with all of the current players. You can see how many runs the others have done and where you fall in the game. It does not matter how many miles you run or how fast you run. It’s not about pace or distance only meeting the required number of runs.
Overall thoughts on RunBet
Participating in RunBet challenges motivates me to head out for that extra run or walk weekly. Moving more is something that has helped me get through the past few months of social distancing and daily stress. There are days where I could have very easily clicked on Netflix and chilled. Instead, knowing that I was in a Runbet game competing only against myself, gave me that extra push I needed to lace up.
I am hosting my own RunBet game starting November 2 won’t you join me? Find the Stay Fit For Fall challenge here. Hope to see you on the gameboard.
Have you tried RunBet or StepBet? What was your experience?
I’m thinking of trying RunBet sometime this year so thanks so much for the review. I’ve done a few StepBet games and i love that they keep me accountable, but sometimes I hate that I have to get x number of steps in daily.
That is why I did runbet instead of step bet. I preferred to have the sessions rather than the number of steps
I’ve never heard of RunBet but it seems like an awesome idea! It would be great to use to stay connected with running friends that don’t live near you
Yes exactly! Helps to keep each other motivated
I think that sounds super motivating. I’ve seen diet bet (I think that’s what it’s called) to help motivate people to lose weight. I like this much better.
I am not into food challenges and I like this one much better as well. It’s been good for me the last 4 weeks
Out of curiosity, what happens if there’s an emergency or you get sick — do you just lose your money then?
The dogs keep us walking, and since there are a lot of days lately where it’s either too cold/too snowy to walk them, I’ve been putting my treadmill to good use with walking too.
Sounds like you had fun with the challenge, and extra points for getting in those walks outside!
I am not what happens in case of emergency. The group that I was in had 4 walk/run days and 3 rest days so lots of flexibility
I’ve heard of stepbet but I didn’t know they also had runbet! That’s a really cool way to hold yourself and your friends accountable.
I was more drawn to runbet bc I did not want to have to hit a certain number of steps. For this, I just needed to do the 4 sessions of 30 m so works better for me
I’d heard of Stepbet but never did Runbet, this sounds so cool! I’ll have to check it out. Good to hear you’d recommend it!
I like the idea of it better than step bet bc you do not have to get a certain amount of steps
Thanks for the detailed review! I’ve heard of the app a couple times and was wondering how it all worked.
I had a great experience with it and would do it again
it does seem like a fun way and a good incentive to get your runs in! I’m just not so sure I would want to risk $50 in case something happened and I DIDN’T make it, you know??
Yes I know that is part of the fun! Some of the games are less money it varies
Wow! This sounds like a fun way to get motivated, to stay motivated to run! I have never heard of this before.
It has been great motivation the past few weeks
I’ve never tried it but I love the idea of it. People are much more likely to keep at it if they are trying to get their money back or make more money.
Yes I do think it is quite motivating and you are only really betting on yourself
What a fun app and a great way to motivate people! Thanks for sharing with your experience with it!
It was a fun experience and I am glad that I did it
I have not tried this but it looks and sounds like a lot of fun. Great motivation for sure.
It has been great motivation to get out there when I did not want to!
Sounds intriguing! Like you, I usually do three runs each week (in winter), so the fourth would be a bonus run or a walk (and we all know how much I enjoy walking LOL). It sounds easy to navigate, but I know myself…and I usually dread the input/data aspect. I should give this a look, though. it would be a great motivator doing it with friends.
If you set it to sync w your Garmin or on strava it will do it automatically for you. I am going to do another one starting next week if you want to join in
I’ve done StepBet and won some money! I will have a review next month. I don’t know why I haven’t done RunBet since I’ve been keeping up with my runs (inside and outside).
Step bet made me a little nervous! I liked the way that runbet was set up for me and allows me to do one walk per week as well. No one in our group dropped out but that’s ok!
This sounds like a great way to stay accountable!
I am really enjoying it!
What a cool idea. Anything that makes exercising fun is super helpful in my book!
I agree thanks for checking it out
That sounds like a fun app. I’m such a skeptic of tech companies these days, I am wondering what data they collect and how they use it. One reason I don’t do the Pacers or Lulu running things. Not that I have anything to hide. Or that Garmin and Strava don’t do what they want anyway, but …. I think I just wish they were more up front over what they were doing with the data. 😉
Well it syncs from Garmin so I guess if you already use that it would be the same thing.
WHAT????
I’m not a fan of DietBet, just because I’m not a scale and weigh-in kind of girl, but THIS??? I could do THIS! And StepBet is eh for me because I don’t hit all my steps every day, even if my totals average out.
I am downloading this as we speak.
Oh fabulous I hope you enjoy it. Let me know how it goes. I will be registering for another one starting next week too
This is really cool. I’m wondering who I could get to do this!
I am really enjoying it!
This sounds great and like so much fun! I had not heard of it before, but will definitely check it out!!
I am really enjoying it!
Sounds fun, but I’m already so obsessive over things that this just might be too much for me. LOL
Ha ha . Since I already sync my runs to Garmin and strava it’s super easy. I have gotten out there on many days where I would not normally have done so
oops, had this tab open and never replied.
I like this– it seems to work better than DietBet which I like but get frustrated with and StepBet which never quite calibrates right for me. May give it a go. Like you, I’m a three / week runner but I think I could make a walk count on the fourth
These RunBet challenges always look so fun! Nothing like a little friendly competition amongst our fitness friends 😉
exactly! But really it’s a competition against yourself
Never tried it. I guess I’m too cheap.
I am motivated on my own.
But once it gets dark after work, it will be a challenge.
I may have to sign up for one.
They are fun to participate in
just realized that you need to track your runs or walks….nope on that one Sorry!!
I like the idea of Runbet. I think it would be fun to try. Right now, though, I am really struggling with anxiety and I don’t want to add another stressor. Maybe this winter I will participate.
sounds like a good plan. It is definitely low stress kind of game
Joined! I did it last time and I loved it!
Thank you, Deborah!
fantastic great to have you back!
I don’t run because my knees hate me but I use the Fitbit app to track my workouts helps me so much to stay motivated
they definitely help me stay motivated as well
I love the bet idea! I think that is definitely a motivation to keep somebody running. Genius! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks for checking it out!
This is a super clever app! I’m totally gonna share this and I think I need to get my butt up and running!
I would love it if you joined us!
Definitely a good way to keep yourself motivated! Have you ever made extra money doing it?
Thanks for linking up!
A very little amount but that is not really what motivates me.
I have never heard of this app before. What a fun idea! I’ll have to check it out!
It is a great way to keep up the motivation to get out and get moving
This is definitely a great way to stay motivated to run/walk. I may have to look into it 🙂
Yes it’s really fun!
I’ve always been intrigued by the ‘dietbet’, but I never felt like that was THE goal. But run bet?? I can TOTALLY get on board with this!!
This one makes a lot of sense for me too. Love for you to join my game next week
External motivation is such a good thing. We all need it at times. What I like about this is it’s one of the few things in this crazy time that’s within our own control. Glad to be doing another one with you
Yes exactly! It makes me feel empowered. See you there 🙂