UltraSignup

UltraSignup is a strong candidate for a trail race whose entrants already use its result histories and event listings. Registration and the linked manual timer fit that niche, but fees and refund rules deserve a clear explanation to runners. Rehearse timing, backups and final result publication before relying on the app.

Published US registration guide: from 6.25% + $2.50, with a $3.50 minimum
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Tool Nutrition Label
Founded 2009
Headquarters Not publicly confirmed in the sources checked
Company Size Not publicly confirmed in the sources checked
Funding Not publicly confirmed in the sources checked
Pricing Model Registration-value fee bands; fixed fee once per cart, different add-on and non-US terms
Free Trial Free events have no hosting fee under the published guide; linked race timer is free for hosted registrations
Contract Per-transaction platform terms; event approval and organiser refund policies apply
Attendee Capacity Organisers configure event limits; no universal maximum established in the checked sources
Mobile App UltraSignup Timer; current Android store listing and official timing guide verified
Offline Capability Yes
Data & Compliance Not publicly confirmed in the sources checked
Expertise Level Intermediate
Event Types
Trail racesUltramarathonsEndurance runsCharity runsVirtual races
Support Channels
Help centreSupport requestRace-timer phone support described by the developer
Best For
  • + Trail and ultra organisers reaching the platform’s running community
  • + Races combining entries with linked runner results
  • + Organisers prepared to operate a manual timing app
Not For
  • − Events expecting registration software to supply timing staff or chips
  • − Teams treating live results as possible without connectivity
  • − Organisers requiring identical US and international processing terms
Key Capabilities
✓ Create approved event pages with distances, prices and waivers
✓ Collect custom participant questions and sell add-ons
✓ Set entry capacities and enable waiting lists
✓ Configure distance changes, bib transfers and cancellations
✓ Manage volunteer registrations and tasks
✓ Time a prepared race without internet using the linked app
✓ Publish and confirm results for participant histories
Honest Limitations

Fee bands and regions differ

The public fee guide was last updated in September 2024. It distinguishes US registration, add-ons and non-US events; non-US service charges exclude additional Stripe processing. Reconfirm the applicable schedule before launch.

Timing requires preparation and backups

The March 2026 guide says website changes do not reach the timer until it is reset. It recommends one device for looped or fixed-time events and a paper backup; offline timing does not mean live uploads remain online.

Setup can require support

RRA14 in April 2023 described a time-consuming setup helped by quick replies. West Michigan Whiskey Rollers in March 2023 valued race-comparison reporting. These individual accounts do not establish a universal setup time.

Refunds have separate routes and retained fees

Current help says organisers decide ordinary refunds and processing fees are not refundable. SPOT protection claims go directly to SPOT; removing the registration in-platform can void that protection. Explain the applicable path before changing an entry.

Pricing Breakdown
Plan Price Details
Free entries No hosting fee in the published guide The guide lists a zero-fee registration band; confirm event approval and any special-use conditions.
US paid registration below $100 6.25% + $2.50; $3.50 minimum Published September 2024 guide; card processing included, fixed charge once per cart. The table labels this band $0.01–$99; clarify any boundary case.
US registration $100–$999 / $1,000+ 6.5% + $3.50 / 5.25% + $5 Published registration bands, not rates based on total event attendance; fixed component once per cart.
US add-ons 6.25% + $1; $1 minimum Separate published add-on rate, with fixed charge once per cart.
Non-US registration and add-ons 4% + $1 at the first published band, $4 minimum Stripe processing extra; later published value bands use 2% + $1 and 1% + $1. Confirm currency, thresholds and current commercial application.

Cost at Common Event Sizes

100
attendees
$1,000 in US registration fees
Illustrative 100 separate $100 registrations: 100 × (6.5% × $100 + $3.50), using the published US table. No add-ons or refunds.
500
attendees
$5,000 in US registration fees
500 separate $100 carts at $10 each; event volume itself does not select a cheaper band.
1000
attendees
$10,000 in US registration fees
1,000 separate $100 carts under the same assumptions; these are processing totals, not subscription or annual event costs.

Hidden Costs to Watch

  • ! Non-US fees add Stripe processing rather than including it.
  • ! Processing fees are not refundable. Optional SPOT protection has a separate claim process, and in-platform removal can void that protection.
  • ! Timing devices, staffing and course equipment are outside the platform fee.

Publish clear refund and transfer rules beside the entry form. For a self-timed event, test the timer with a prepared entrant list and an offline period, retain a paper backup, and practise the final results-confirmation step.

The fit assessment follows documented scope. User reviews are dated individual accounts, and no hands-on product test or vendor interview is claimed.

Sources

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Questions to Ask the Vendor
  1. 1
    Which fee schedule, currency and processor costs apply to our event today?
  2. 2
    How are mixed carts, free entries and registration-price boundaries charged?
  3. 3
    What approval and account verification must finish before registration opens?
  4. 4
    How should we rehearse timer resets, offline use and result recovery?
  5. 5
    Which cancellation, transfer and optional protection policies will runners see?
  6. 6
    What participant data and historical results can we export or correct?
How we research tools

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