Is it invalid to not hit the checkpoints and still get to stage 50, so it says you're still on stage 1 because you missed the other checkpoints but you still hit 50

Well, if you're going to skip checkpoints, the run will be moved to the Glitched subcategory where it's allowed.

For full-game glitchless, the stage counter at the end HAS to be at 50. However, in the full-game glitches category, skipping checkpoints is perfectly acceptable and the stage counter does not have to be at 50.

The only checkpoints you can skip are the first 6 because before you go through the shortcut, your stage counter will change to 23, after that you must go through the checkpoints and if you dont it will be considered a glitched speedrun

yea

Ok thanks guys!

you are Welcoem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!