Event Information

WHEN

ON DEMAND

In this Timer Tip Tuesday session, we’ll walk through key points timers need to know to deliver a smooth, professional experience for marathon and half marathon events—from planning to results.

We’ll cover:

RaceDay Scoring: Configuring segments, splits, and Boston Qualifier (BQ) reports, plus handling data checks and custom exports.
RaceDay CheckIn App: Best practices for larger events.
RaceJoy: Key points to consider for marathons (course format and potential crossovers, relay teams, etc)
Results & Reporting: Setting up real-time results, ensuring accurate BQ reporting, and leveraging custom reports for race directors and sponsors.
Organization & Troubleshooting: Preparing for common challenges at marathon events and making the most of RunSignup’s RaceDay tools to save time and prevent errors.

Whether you’re an experienced timer or stepping into marathons and half marathons for the first time, this session will give you the tools and confidence to manage every stage of these complex races—from start to finish.

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Summary of Webinar

Overview

This webinar walks through every stage of marathon and half marathon timing—from initial setup to final reporting. The RaceDay team covers how to plan and manage splits and segments, use data checks, configure reports and exports, prepare the check-in app, and enhance the participant experience through RaceJoy tracking. You’ll also learn best practices for organization, troubleshooting, and race-day communication to ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Planning Splits and Segments

Splits are one of the most critical components of marathon timing. They help you track athletes, improve safety, and provide valuable updates to spectators and media. During setup:

Choose logical and accessible split points (e.g., 5K, 10K) that make sense for participants.
Confirm certified course maps and mark precise split locations—ideally using GPS coordinates (lat/long).
Evaluate the area for setup logistics, road closures, and connectivity (cell service or Starlink).
Establish a course check system—a mobile crew that verifies split setups, signal strength, and backup equipment before race start.

Splits help with real-time progress tracking, identifying course changes or issues, activating sponsors through live updates, and improving safety by knowing when a runner last crossed a timing point.

Using Data Checks and Data Actions

Data checks and data actions are vital tools for ensuring clean, accurate results.

Data Checks help identify problems like missing chip reads, missing start times, or impossible finish times.
Data Actions can automate fixes, such as flagging athletes who missed a split or appeared in the wrong race.
Create and test these checks before race day to avoid last-minute issues.
Always confirm DQ or correction policies with the race director—some rules may change once race day begins.

Common checks include spotting runners who missed a turnaround or identifying marathoners who appeared on the half-marathon course.

Custom Exports and Reporting

Custom exports let you deliver specialized reports to different stakeholders.

Examples include:

Medical and emergency lists
Photographer lists
Engraver and awards reports
Boston Qualifier and USATF submissions
Scrolling or media reports for live displays

When configuring reports:

Use consistent naming conventions to find files quickly.
Schedule autosaves at realistic intervals.
Avoid sharing personal data like birthdates unless authorized by the race director.
Test all report filters and export formats ahead of race day.

RaceDay Check-In Best Practices

The check-in app is the participant’s first on-site touchpoint—and a timer’s first data accuracy check.

Prepare separate presets for staff and volunteers with restricted permissions.
Enable bib validation to avoid duplicates.
Test label printing if applicable, and plan for reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Always set the check-in date range and password—a common setup oversight.
Charge all devices, update the app, preload participant data, and label each tablet uniquely.
Provide volunteers with a short training session or video guide to ensure consistency.

RaceJoy: Enhancing the Participant and Spectator Experience

RaceJoy brings live tracking, predictive pacing, and in-app communication to race day.

Requires timer certification and a sufficient number of timing points (at least two for half marathons, three for fulls).
Integrate RaceJoy with chip timing and ensure all points are mapped correctly.
Customize branding with logos, sponsor banners, and geo-based cheers.
Educate participants through pre-race emails and social posts to encourage adoption.
After the race, provide organizers with usage stats to demonstrate engagement and sponsor reach.

When done well, RaceJoy not only enhances participant satisfaction but also offers new sponsorship and promotional opportunities.

Results, Reporting, and Live Data

Accurate, real-time results are the capstone of your race-day effort.

Create filtered reports for specific groups (e.g., founders, firefighters, wheelchair divisions).
Ensure age groups and awards are correct and tested in advance.
Display cumulative split times for marathons (not per-segment).
Test how results appear on both desktop and mobile views.
Add watermarks to photos for consistent branding.

Organization and Troubleshooting

Successful marathon timing depends on planning—not reaction.

Build a master race-day book with schedules, split maps, contacts, and reporting timelines.
Define clear communication channels (group chat, WhatsApp, or Slack) and escalation steps for tech issues.
Assign a course check driver to visit all splits pre-race and carry spares (cables, batteries, decoders).
Expect something to go wrong—but plan for it. Have backup plans (B, C, and D) ready for every critical component.
Save all post-race data—reads, results, exports—so you can replicate and improve the next year’s event.

Key Takeaways

Plan ahead: Race day is not for thinking.
Map everything: Use certified courses and GPS-verified split points.
Test all systems: From check-in devices to autosaves and RaceJoy syncs.
Communicate clearly: Define how and when your team reports problems.
Keep improving: Save your process and data for next year—it’s your playbook.