Timing races has evolved dramatically over the years. From the early days of stopwatches to the adoption of Time Machines, and eventually the emergence of chip timing, the industry continually seeks ways to more efficiently and accurately time and score mass participation events. As events grew in size, timing companies expanded to meet demand, and technology became less cumbersome and more reliable accompanied by growing costs. However, amidst this progress, smaller events often find themselves constrained by minimum fees and packed weekend schedules, and typically rely on hand-timing with volunteers. But what if there was a solution that bridged the gap between hand-timing and the laborious setup of mats, readers, and cables? There is a new entrant to the industry that may do just that.
Bluetooth Timing Innovation
Tony Sapp, founder and owner of Negative Split Productions, discovered the potential of using Bluetooth technology to time races after hearing ATLAS Live Timing founder Jean-Louis Lafayeedney on a podcast several years ago. Intrigued, Tony reached out to explore this new approach to timing. By 2021, Negative Split Productions began testing the system in parallel with RFID timing. By 2022, they were exclusively using ATLAS for Odyssey SwimRun events, now part of the ÖTILLÖ SwimRun events.
The ATLAS system operates using battery-powered chips that can be worn on an ankle strap or in a participant’s shoelaces—something most timers are already familiar with. The key difference lies in how the data is collected. There are no mats, side antennas, or wires. Instead, Android phones equipped with the ATLAS app use Bluetooth to receive timing reads. These are then transmitted via wireless networks or the phone’s SIM card. These reads are configured based on parameters such as “First Read Seen,” “Last Read Seen,” or “Closest Read” within a specified time window. The device’s read range is also customizable from 1 to 25 meters.
While the system is innovative, it does have some limitations. Currently, iPhone is not supported. Plus, the number of Bluetooth devices a phone or tablet can connect to at one time is limited. Distribution and collection of reusable chips must also be considered when working with races. Tony has developed a set of guidelines for determining when Bluetooth timing is appropriate. Typically, his company uses it for events with 150 or fewer participants for 5Ks. For lower-density events like Time Trial start swim/runs or longer trail races he will use Atlas for up to 450 participants. For redundancy, Tony often runs two phones at the finish line, as overheating can be a concern. Battery life isn’t as concern, as phones regularly last 8-12 hours.
Who Benefits from Bluetooth Timing?
According to Tony, Bluetooth timing is a “game changer for smaller, hard-to-reach 5Ks, 10Ks, and trail runs.” It’s a cost-effective solution for smaller or longer events where traditional timing setups are a challenge. The simplicity of the system—placing phones at start, split, or finish points—also allows for tiered services such as what Tony calls “Just the Time”. This is where the race organizer only needs to set up phones, turn on the app, and press start. For more complex reporting, Tony pulls data into RaceDay Scoring to produce results via RunSignup, leveraging the full suite of RaceDay Real-Time Timer tools. Without the logistical challenges of mats or heavy decoders, races can easily add multiple timing points—even on single-track trails—by simply placing a phone in a strategic location.
How RunSignup’s RaceDay Real-Time Works with Bluetooth Timing
Timers can make full use of RunSignup’s RaceDay Real-Time suite of products while using Bluetooth timing. Atlas has completed the integration with RaceDay Scoring so timers can easily score their Bluetooth timed events. Plus, timers can add a timing point at the turnaround/halfway point to help confirm that participants stayed on course, enabling RaceDay Scoring to automatically adjust and reflect any changes in the results.
Timers can add additional Bluetooth timing points on the course to deliver chip timing alerts in the RaceJoy event app. This provides real-time progress updates at every Bluetooth timing point in addition to continual GPS phone tracking. RaceJoy’s chip timing alerts enables participants to be tracked in real-time, even if they’re not carrying their phone.
RunSignup’s RaceDay Mobile Timing app is still a viable option for those timers wanting to do manual timing for very small or remote events.
Conclusion
Bluetooth timing is a newer entrant to the industry and offers a potential new option for smaller events who can’t justify the expense and complexity of traditional chip timing systems. Timers with smaller events can consider this along with the Mobile Timing app as an alternative solution to traditional timing. This is still early days for Bluetooth timing technology and we expect Tony may be right that this could be a “game changer” for events and timers alike.