hey guys new to speed running and have a question when I submit a run do I need to put in the exact time as i forgot to have a timer running many thanks
It depends of the game... sometimes the rules of the game in relation to time: starting-ending
Start The timer starts when you press start The timer starts when you gain control of your character in Round/Level/Stage/Room 1, for example The timer starts when you select your character
End The timer ends when you do the last hit to final boss The timer ends when the screen fades to black after final boss is defeated The timer ends you do lose control of your character after killing the final boss.
All this can happen in leaderboards' rules, but like I said before, it depends on the titles of the games. If your run didn't have a timer it's ok anyway because you can/could get some help from moderator(s) of the game, so as to assist you in the submission of your run (timer starts confirmed and timer ends confirmed) @JohnRwatson I hope this could help a little bit to your doubts.
You need to report some kind of time. Play the VOD back and run a timer as it plays (unless the run is like 20 hours long or something, lel). Mods will adjust it if you don't quite get it right.