If you’ve spent any time in the RunSignup platform — whether as a race director, a timing company, or a race management organization — you’ve likely come across two terms: Partners and Timers. While they can sometimes overlap, they serve very different purposes on the platform. This blog breaks down what each one is, how they work, and how they interact with race directors.
What Is a Timer?
A Timer on RunSignup is a race timing company or individual that is added to a specific race to support scoring and results. When a race director adds a timer to their race, the timer receives targeted access to the participant data they need to do their job — things like bib assignments, registration data, and results publishing — without gaining access to the race’s financial information.
Timers are the critical operational backbone of race day. Through RunSignup’s RaceDay Technology Suite, timers can:
- Score races using RaceDay Scoring, RunSignup’s scoring solution compatible with all major chip systems
- Manage participant check-in with the RaceDay CheckIn App
- Publish real-time results directly to the race’s RunSignup page
- Offer live participant tracking via RaceJoy (for certified timers)
- Access a dedicated Timer Operations Dashboard to manage pre-race prep, live race day visibility, and post-race reporting
Timer Dashboard
The timer relationship is race-specific. A race director searches for their timer by name or email on Step 1 of the Race Wizard and adds them directly to that race. Once added, the timer can access what they need for that event. If they work with you on multiple races, they’ll need to be added to each one individually.
Timers can also earn RaceDay Certifications — on-demand training courses covering RaceDay Scoring, the CheckIn App, RaceJoy, and more. Certified timers get access to additional perks and can use their certification in their marketing.
What Is a Partner?
A Partner on RunSignup is an organization or company that manages multiple races under a single account. The Partner Account gives them a centralized dashboard to oversee all of the events they manage, rather than navigating each race separately.
Partner Dashboard
Partners are typically:
- Race management companies that organize and operate events on behalf of race directors
- Timing companies that also handle registration and race management for their clients
- Race series owners who manage several events under one brand
- Running stores, clubs, or organizations that maintain a calendar of community events
The Partner program is designed for companies managing multiple events per year who want to offer their races a higher level of service. Through the Partner Dashboard, partners can:
- View and manage all of their races in one place
- Access cross-race participant reports spanning all events in their portfolio
- Create races directly under their partnership or share a unique partner URL with race directors to create races under the partnership themselves
- Add Secondary Owners to their partner account, giving teammates full or partial access to the dashboard
- Take advantage of revenue-sharing options (for partners managing over 5,000 paid registrations per year or processing over $200,000 annually)
It’s worth being straightforward here: the Partner Account program is an area where we know our public documentation is thinner than it should be. If you have questions about the Partner program — how to get set up, what revenue sharing looks like, or how to structure your account — the best path is to reach out to us directly at info@runsignup.com. We’re working to make this information more accessible and will be adding more resources over time.
How Are They Different?
Partners vs. Timers on RunSignup
Understanding the two account types and how they work with your race
Can Someone be Both?
Yes — and this is common. Many timing companies also manage registration, websites, and race operations for their clients, making them both a Timer (for race day scoring) and a Partner (for managing the broader event portfolio). In fact, for timers who manage a high volume of events, the Partner program offers real financial benefits through revenue sharing on top of the tools they already use day to day.
If you’re a timer wondering whether a Partner Account makes sense for your business, the short answer is: if you’re managing multiple races and want consolidated reporting, a cleaner dashboard experience, and the ability to earn revenue share, it’s worth exploring.
How Does This Affect Race Directors?
As a race director, here’s what you need to know:
Working with a timer: If your timer is not already in RunSignup, you can invite them directly from the Race Wizard (Race > Race Wizard > Step 1). Search for them first — they may already have an account. Once added, they’ll receive an email and can get set up. Your timer will only see what they need; your financial data stays with you. It’s also worth noting that your contract and payment arrangement with your timer is made directly between you and them — RunSignup is not involved in that agreement.
Working with a Partner: If a race management company or timer sets up your race through their Partner account, your race may be organized under their partnership. This gives them the dashboard access they need to support you, while you retain control of your race as the race director. If you’re working with a partner, they should be your first level of support. As with timers, any fees or contracts with a partner organization are handled directly between you and them — not through RunSignup.
Both relationships are designed to make your event run more smoothly — the timer handles race day operations, and the partner (if applicable) handles the broader event management picture.
Questions?
Have questions about Timer accounts, Partner accounts, or how either fits into your race setup? Reach out to our team at support@runsignup.com — we’re happy to help you figure out the right setup for your events.