Guest Post – What Timing Technology is Right for Your Race

This is a Guest Blog from our friend Tony Sapp of Negative Split Productions.

Accurate race timing is fundamental to the success of any event, ranging from small community fun runs to large-scale marathons and ultra-endurance challenges. With technological advancements, race directors and timers now have access to a diverse array of tools designed to capture each participant’s performance with reliability and efficiency. However, the multitude of available options can make it difficult to identify the most appropriate for your event’s specific requirements.

On Behind the Finish Line, we’ve completed a comprehensive comparison of both new and emerging race timing solutions, detailing their operational mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and the types of events for which they are most suitable. To see the full post click HERE. A summary of the information provided in the full post is below. 

Popular Race Timing Technologies

Manual Timing represents the most fundamental and traditional approach to race timing. This method involves the use of human-operated stopwatches, timing applications, or spreadsheet-based tools to accurately record the times of participants as they pass key checkpoints or the finish line. Read more about manual timing> 

High-Speed Camera-Based Systems employ advanced cameras to capture images or videos of athletes as they cross designated timing points. These systems utilize visual indicators, such as bib numbers or finish-line positions, to accurately identify participants and record their times. Read more about high-speed camera systems> 

Passive RFID is a prevalent technology in race timing, widely adopted for its efficiency and effectiveness. This system functions by utilizing RFID tags, which are affixed to participants’ bibs, shoes, or other wearable items. These tags are powered by the energy emitted from an RFID reader’s signal, enabling them to transmit information back to the reader. Read more about passive RFID>

Active RFID technology employs tags equipped with an internal power source, typically a small battery, which enables them to continuously transmit signals to readers. In contrast to Passive RFID, Active RFID does not depend on the reader’s energy to transmit data. This characteristic facilitates extended read ranges and enhances readability, even in challenging environments. Read more about active RFID>

Dual Frequency (DF) represents an advanced form of RFID technology that integrates two distinct frequency bands, High Frequency (HF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), into a unified system. This integration enhances both the readability and reliability of the system, especially in challenging environments where signal interference or high athlete density may occur. DF technology provides an extended read range, increased read rates, and improved accuracy compared to traditional passive RFID systems. Read more about DF>

Niche Timing Solutions for Specialized Events

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology employs a constellation of satellites to accurately determine the location of a participant’s GPS-enabled device, which may include a smartphone, wearable tracker, or a dedicated timing unit. In the context of race timing, GPS is predominantly utilized for real-time tracking of participants’ locations, verifying course adherence, and timing checkpoints in events that cover extensive distances or are widely dispersed. Read more about GPS timing>

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that facilitates wireless data exchange over short distances, typically a few inches. In the context of race timing, NFC is predominantly utilized for events that require participants to check in at specific points. This is achieved by having participants tap an NFC-enabled tag, which is often integrated into a wristband, bib, or card, against a reader or smartphone to accurately log their time and location. Read more about NFC timing>

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless communication technology specifically engineered for low-power, short-range data transmission. In the context of race timing, BLE employs small, battery-operated beacons or tags that emit signals at regular intervals. These signals are detected by BLE-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or dedicated readers, facilitating the identification of participants and the tracking of checkpoints. Read more about BLE timing>

Emerging Timing Technology

Camera-Vision Systems employ cameras equipped with optical character recognition (OCR) or computer vision software to capture images or videos of athletes as they pass designated timing points. These systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to identify bib numbers and correlate them with participant records in real time. Read more about camera-vision systems>

LoRa/LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area wireless communication technology engineered to transmit small data packets over extensive distances. Similar to other timing technologies in their early stages, LoRa is beginning to be integrated into smaller timing systems. It functions on the LoRaWAN protocol, enabling battery-powered tags or devices carried by participants to communicate with gateways, which then relay the information to a central server. Read more about LoRa/LoRaWAN timing>

Summary

We’ve put together a handy summary table from the data discussed in the full blog post. This table helps you see how each system stacks up in terms of performance and practical use.

• Primary System: This shows if the technology is a good fit as the main timing system for events today. You’ll see a 👍 if it’s a great choice or a 👎 if it’s better as a backup or for special situations.
• Density: This tells you how well the technology can handle the number of athletes crossing a timing point.
  • 🏃‍♂️ = less than 100 participants per minute
  • 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️ = 100 to 1,000 participants per minute
  • 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️ = 1000+ participants per minute
• Accuracy: This reflects how precise the results are with the technology.
  • ⏱️⏱️⏱️ = less than 0.1 seconds
  • ⏱️⏱️ = 0.2 to 1.9 seconds
  • ⏱️ = 2 seconds or more
• Chip/Tag: This describes whether the chips or tags are disposable or reusable.
  • 🗑️ = disposable
  • ♻️ = reusable
  • 🚯 = reusable and not disposable (chips/tags are not disposable if they contain a battery)
• Cost: This gives you a general idea of the expected cost for using the technology in an event.

*NFC’s accuracy is dependent on participant compliance. 

Conclusion

Race timing technology has really evolved from the old days of stopwatches and notepads, giving event organizers and race directors many great options to ensure participants get accurate and reliable results. From the popular and trusted passive RFID to cool new solutions like Bluetooth and GPS, each system has its own special strengths to fit different event needs. Even specialized tools like camera-vision systems are there as essential backups to provide precision for elite-level competitions. Getting to know these technologies can help race directors make smart choices that match their event size, budget, and goals.

If you’re interested in learning more or want to chat about the best options for your race, feel free to reach out to Negative Split Production today or talk to your local timing professionals. Happy running and keep hosting great events!