Customer Snapshot
- 4,297 : Finish Line Photos Taken
- 5 Years: On RunSignup
- Products Used: RaceDay CheckIn App, RaceDay Scoring, RaceDay Mobile Timing, RaceDay Photos
Overview
The 2025 Sioux Falls Marathon, produced by Thomas Lee and Jerry Palleschi of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, continues to be a standout event for runners chasing 50-state challenges. With 2,176 participants across multiple distances — Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and combination Challenges — this year’s race made full use of RunSignup’s integrated RaceDay technology.
Since moving to RunSignup registration in 2020, the event has leveraged a full suite of tools: Registration, Donations, Website Builder, and Custom Email, along with RaceDay CheckIn, RaceDay Scoring, RaceDay Mobile Timing, and RaceDay Photos — deployed by the event’s managing timer, Mike Erickson, of Mtec Results, the event’s timer since 2016.
Streamlined Check-In with RaceDay CheckIn App
Packet pickup was powered by the RaceDay CheckIn App using dynamic bib assignments to efficiently check in 1,908 participants. This includes 1,768 participants between 10 AM and 4 PM on the day before the race. Local school volunteers easily managed check-in stations using tablets, verifying participant data, assigning bibs, and handling last-minute entries.
RunSignup’s fast registration feature made on-site registration seamless, syncing new participants instantly with the registration database and RaceDay Scoring, ensuring accuracy across all systems without manual data imports.
Capturing the Finish with RaceDay Mobile Timing & Photos
Mike’s use of RaceDay innovation extended to the finish line, where two tablets running the RaceDay Mobile Timing App were deployed to capture finish photos every few seconds for five continuous hours. Positioned strategically on alternating sides of the chute, the setup ensured every finisher was captured approximately every 2.5 seconds.
A total of 4,297 finish line photos were automatically linked to participant result pages, such as this example, with instant visibility through the “Get Race Photos” button on Mtec Results’ results site. This integration created a seamless experience for participants and simplified photo management for organizers.
The photos were framed so that the clock was in view for reference in reviewing finishes if need be.
The Mobile Timing App also served as a backup timing capture at race start and finish, providing valuable reference photos with the race clock visible for verification of results and top finishers.
Real-Time Results with RaceDay Scoring
Mike used RaceDay Scoring to time and score the events, which is fully synchronized with RunSignup Registration and RaceDay CheckIn app through bi-directional data integration. This meant that any bib reassignment, late registration, participant data changes, or event transfer instantly updated across all RaceDay systems — no manual database edits or sync delays required.
This integration ensured that results, scored timing points, and photos remained consistent across platforms, reducing race-day stress and enabling immediate publication of accurate results.
Benefits of Bi-Directional Synchronization
The Sioux Falls Marathon organizers and timer demonstrated how RunSignup’s RaceDay suite operates as a fully connected ecosystem:
- Automatic Sync: Registration data instantly feeds into scoring and check-in systems.
- Real-Time Updates: Bib or event changes made on-site are reflected across all tools within seconds.
- Data Integrity: Eliminates the risk of mismatched participant data or missing records.
- Efficiency: Allows timers and staff to focus on participant experience rather than data management.
- Participant Satisfaction: Accurate, fast results and immediate access to personalized photos enhance the race experience.
About Mtec Results
Mtec was founded in 1998, under the name ChampionChip Minnesota. In 2010, ChampionChip Minnesota’s name was changed to Mtec to encompass the greater variety of services that the company offers.
Mtec offers innovative timing and scoring solutions for competitive athletic events worldwide. We utilize RFID technology with options for MYLAPS Bibtag, ProChip, and ChampionChip.
Conclusion
The Sioux Falls Marathon continues to raise the bar for mid-sized races by leveraging RunSignup’s RaceDay technology and the expertise of Mtec Results. From check-in to scoring to photo integration, the event is a model for how technology can deliver efficiency, reliability, and an exceptional experience for both race organizers and participants.
