Blue Ridge Timing and Tickets

Introduction

Blue Ridge Timing, founded by Doug Thomasey in 2011, has become a trusted name in race timing for track, cross country, and road events. While their expertise is timing, Blue Ridge has successfully expanded services by adopting RunSignup’s Tickets platform—streamlining operations for partners and unlocking new revenue opportunities.

Why Tickets Became Essential

Blue Ridge identified a common pain point among their partners: manual cash handling at track and cross country meets. By introducing RunSignup Tickets, they transformed the process for schools and organizations.

“Our customers were spending too much time juggling cash and spreadsheets.
Tickets eliminated that headache and gave them real data to work with.”
– Doug Thomasey, Blue Ridge Timing

Key Benefits of Adopting Tickets:

• Simplified financial processes for event hosts.
• Built email lists for promotions and outreach.
• Delivered post-event reporting for better planning and revenue insights.

At Liberty University, the switch from cash-only sales to Tickets not only streamlined payment collection but also generated a robust email list for summer camp marketing—turning spectators into future participants.

Expanding Use Cases

“The versatility of Tickets surprised even us—parking, admissions, camps. Once people see how easy it is, they’re on board.”
– Doug Thomasey, Blue Ridge Timing

Smooth Implementation for Partners: RunSignup Support

Blue Ridge makes adoption effortless by handling the setup themselves along with relying on RunSignup’s team for their events. 

“If it’s not delivered correctly, partners might feel like you’re asking them to do extra work. We take that burden off their plate and let RunSignup’s team step in to support.” – Doug Thomasey, Blue Ridge Timing

Their collaboration with RunSignup’s sales reps ensures event directors feel confident about the transition. Timers don’t need to be experts in every feature—they just need to get the ball rolling.

Tangible Benefits for Event Directors

Revenue Recovery: In addition to having a new efficient revenue stream from tickets, they discover hidden revenue from tickets sold but not redeemed—money they would have otherwise missed.

Marketing Growth: Collected email addresses enable follow-up campaigns for other events, from summer camps to future meets.

Consolidated Finances: Once payment accounts are set up, directors are able to avoid repeated administrative work.

Professional Image: Moving away from cash boxes gives events a polished, modern feel.

“For some facilities, the revenue from Tickets could easily pay a staff salary. That’s a powerful message for directors.”
– Doug Thomasey, Blue Ridge Timing

Advice for Other Timers

Doug recommends other timers adopt Tickets strategically:

• Start with Long-Term Partners: They’re more open to innovation.
• Use RunSignup’s Sales Support: Rely on RunSignup to explain the features and benefits, and with implementation.
• Target Key Segments: Identify ideal segments and events that could benefit from tickets. Many events timers already serve are ideal candidates such as Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) and Junior Olympic.
• Highlight Financial Upside: Show how Tickets can bring in greater and new revenue (example: consolidated payments, increased marketing lists, etc.)

Complementary RaceDay Tools

Blue Ridge Timing also continues to leverage RunSignup’s RaceDay Real-Time suite of technology, including:

• RaceDay Scoring (RDS): Doug shared RaceDay Scoring has enabled him to have staff timers score events he is not able to attend as it is an easy-to-learn scoring solution. 
• CheckIn App: Their most-used tool, saving bibs and improving efficiency.
• Mobile Timing App: Reliable backup—used as the sole scoring method at a small road race when equipment was limited.

Looking Ahead

Doug sees Tickets as part of the industry’s shift toward immediacy and professionalism:

“Just like a cellphone changed communication, RunSignup’s tools—especially Tickets—are changing event operations. They make everything smoother, smarter, and more sustainable.”