Competitions or races are enjoying increasing popularity. In the Czech Republic, road races have been held since around the 1950s. Four types of races have become particularly established: the long race (marathon), the criterium, the sprint, and the relay. These competitions are mostly held on circuit courses.
Marathon/ long race
The race distance should correspond approximately to that of a marathon, i.e. 42 km. Due to the different lap lengths at individual competitions, the race distance is usually 35–40 km. In some traditions also shorter long races of 25-30 km are held.The race starts with a mass start (running for the start is allowed), and placement is determined by the order of crossing the finish line. The race is finished by the first athlete to cross the line, all others complete their current lap.
Criterium
The race distance is typically 10–15 km. It also starts with a mass start (running allowed), and placement is determined by the finish.
Sprint
The sprint distance usually does not exceed 1,000 meters. Sprints are often held over 400 meters, using a standard 400 m athletics track. The winner is determined after multiple rounds.
Additionally, many other race formats, known from cycling, can also be held using kick scooters. Some examples include: individual time trials, hill climbs, point-to-point races, ultra-long-distance races, and cross races. A hill climb, for example, was held in 2023 as the opening event of the German Championship in Gelsenkirchen on a spoil heap. The most internationally recognized ultra-long-distance race in recent years is the “Kickdistance.” This race covers every year approximately 600 km.