Customer Snapshot
- RaceDay Tools Used: CheckIn App, Photos, Results, Scoring, Mobile Timing, RaceJoy
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- Total Participants: 2600+
Desert Roads & Digital Precision
This year’s Tour de Scottsdale, a scenic cycling event set against the backdrop of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, offered a memorable experience for both riders and spectators. Behind the scenes, RunSignup’s RaceDay technology played a key role in supporting the event—from streamlined check-in to accurate timing, real-time GPS tracking, and integrated participant photos.
Much of the event’s operational efficiency was made possible through the work of timer Julie Stark, who implemented various tools from the RaceDay Suite and shared her experience during the 2025 event.
About the Tour de Scottsdale
The Tour de Scottsdale is a premier cycling event that allows riders to explore the beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape. The event offers two ride distances: a 62-mile Metric Century and a 33-mile Half Metric Century. Both routes start and finish at WestWorld of Scottsdale, taking cyclists through scenic communities such as Scottsdale, Rio Verde, and Fountain Hills.
Beyond the ride itself, the Tour de Scottsdale is known for its strong community spirit. The event supports local nonprofits and concludes with a lively post-ride celebration, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for everyone involved.
Streamlined Check-In with Volunteer Support
Participants were welcomed by a trained volunteer team from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, who used the RaceDay CheckIn App to manage packet pickup. The app allowed volunteers to scan barcodes, assign bibs dynamically, and update participant info in real time—keeping lines short and the check-in process efficient.
RaceDay Scoring for Accurate, Real-Time Results
Timing was managed using RaceDay Scoring, giving Julie Stark and her team the ability to deliver live results and efficiently manage data throughout the event. Because RaceDay Scoring integrates directly with registration and check-in systems, changes made in one place automatically reflect across the others—eliminating the need for last-minute manual edits.
“With registration and check-in connected to RaceDay Scoring data, everything flows seamlessly,” Julie said. “Now I just open my laptop and feel confident I have the latest participant data ready to score.”
Compared to previous years, where she often worked into the night updating data manually, the streamlined process meant less stress and faster resolution of any race-day adjustments.
Julie also relied on Data Check reports to identify and fix issues on the fly—such as riders who started in the wrong wave or had anomalous finish times.
“At Tour de Scottsdale, I only had 25–30 riders to review, and I was able to handle those changes quickly without needing to manage them manually one by one,” she said.
Mobile Timing for Flexible Backup Support
In addition to RaceDay Scoring, Julie used the RaceDay Mobile Timing App to capture start times as a backup solution. The mobile app provides a flexible, lightweight option that’s especially useful when traditional timing hardware isn’t needed or as a secondary layer of support for key timing points.
Real-Time Tracking with RaceJoy
The Tour de Scottsdale also featured RaceJoy, a GPS-based app that provides real-time tracking, progress alerts, and interactive features like spectator cheers. Race staff used RaceJoy to monitor rider movement on the course, helping with logistics and engagement.
“I love being able to see where riders are out on the course,” Julie noted. “We’re hoping to expand use of the app for lead vehicles in the future.”
RaceDay Photos Enhance Participant Experience
In addition to timing and tracking, the event also made use of RunSignup’s RaceDay Photos platform. Photos were uploaded and automatically tagged by bib number, allowing participants to easily find and download their images after the race.
The platform added an engaging visual element to the post-race experience, giving participants a way to relive their ride and share it with friends and family.
Exploring New Tools: RaceDay Scoring Announcer Feed
Another RaceDay feature in use at this year’s event was RaceDay Scoring’s Announcer Feed, which delivers live participant updates for announcing and finish line engagement. Julie saw it in action for the first time and plans to incorporate it into more events moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With cycling legends like Sir Bradley Wiggins and Lance Armstrong in attendance, the Tour de Scottsdale brought plenty of star power to the desert. But behind the excitement, it was the practical application of RaceDay tools that helped ensure things ran smoothly—from check-in to timing to results delivery.
As events continue to grow in size and complexity, tools that integrate registration, timing, tracking, and check-in are becoming essential. Thanks to technology advocates like Julie Stark, races can offer a more efficient, accurate, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Julie leaves fellow timers with this encouragement:
“I’m not tech savvy, so if I can learn to use it—anyone can.”