Event Information

Join us for this live webinar introducing RunSignup’s free Mobile Timing App V5— now with Integrated Photos for Auto Bib Tagging. This new functionality provides timers with a valuable verification and backup tool. It also enhances the participant experience by seamlessly linking finish line and timing point photos to results.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the New Photo Feature Works – Photos captured at the finish line or timing equipment points are processed through RunSignup’s RaceDay Photo solution, automatically tagging bib numbers and linking images to results.
• Backup Verification for Timers – Use photos as an additional accuracy tool to verify participant data and resolve timing discrepancies.
• Seamless Integration – See how this feature fits into the RaceDay Real-Time suite for faster and more efficient race day operations.

This session is ideal for timers looking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and participant engagement through innovative, cost-effective solutions.

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Summary of Webinar 

Overview

RunSignup’s Mobile Timing App V5 introduces seamless photo capture and auto bib tagging through direct integration with RunSignup Photos—creating a faster, more connected, and more engaging race-day experience for both participants and spectators.

In this session, Matt Avery walks through the newest version of the Mobile Timing app, explaining how it now supports real-time photo uploads, automatic bib number recognition, and instant integration with race results. He demonstrates both the new Photo Capture Mode and Backup Timing + Photo Mode, shares how photos enhance sponsorship visibility, and outlines upcoming innovations like motion-triggered capture, Bluetooth remote support, and improved upload feedback.

The release represents a major leap forward in RunSignup’s RaceDay suite, providing timers with an all-in-one toolkit for capturing moments, validating backup data, and delivering shareable race photos within minutes of participants crossing the finish line.

Why Offer Tagged Race Photos

Photos are one of the most impactful ways to elevate a participant’s experience and build stronger event engagement. Tagged photos instantly connect participants and spectators to the excitement of race day—offering lasting memories while providing branding and sponsorship value.

With the RunSignup Photos integration:

• Participants see their photos automatically linked to their race results, often within minutes of finishing.

• Spectators can easily find and share photos of their friends or family.

• Sponsors gain valuable exposure through automatic photo watermarking, with logos displayed on every shared image across social media.

This integration turns your photos into marketing assets—each shared image reinforces your event’s brand and sponsor partnerships organically.

Mobile Timing App V5: What’s New

A Timer’s Complete Toolkit

The Mobile Timing App began as a simple backup timing solution. With Version 5, it now adds RunSignup Photo Capture—allowing photos to be uploaded directly from mobile devices for instant processing and bib tagging.

Timers and event staff can choose between two new workflows:

1. Standalone Photo Capture Mode

   • Works like a camera app dedicated to your event.

   • Photos are automatically uploaded to RunSignup and processed through AI-driven bib recognition.

   • Ideal for volunteers at key points like start/finish lines, water stations, or awards ceremonies.

   • Supports creating different albums per location (Start, Finish, Awards, etc.) for better organization and sharing.

2. Backup Timing + Photo Mode

   • Allows photos to be captured simultaneously while recording backup times.

   • Adds a visual verification layer to backup data and timing records.

   • Especially useful for verifying participant accuracy and timing during post-race audits.

   • Recommended for tablets or larger devices for ease of use.

Both modes send metadata (timestamps and event details) to the RunSignup cloud, where AI matches bib numbers to participants. Photos appear directly on the results page once processed—no manual tagging required.

On the Horizon: Future Enhancements

Matt shared an exciting roadmap for future Mobile Timing updates:

• User Interface Refresh:

  • Simplified navigation and consolidated settings in a cleaner menu system.

  • Built-in tooltips and explanations to improve ease of use.

• Landscape Orientation & Aspect Ratios:

  • Future updates will support landscape photos and flexible aspect ratios for professional-quality framing.

• Photo Upload Management:

  • Visual indicators showing upload progress (e.g., “X of Y photos uploaded”), with queue control and troubleshooting tools.

• Automated Photo Capture:

  • Planned support for Bluetooth shutter remotes for hands-free capture.

  • Configurable timed photo intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds).

  • Experimental AI motion detection that triggers a photo when a runner enters the frame or adjusts framing for optimal focus.

• Quick Access to Photos:

  • In-app shortcuts to instantly view uploaded photos on RunSignup, allowing real-time verification and sharing.

• Local Network Integration:

  • Future vision includes real-time data transfer over local Wi-Fi networks for announcer feeds and direct scoring sync.

These advancements aim to make the Mobile Timing App a one-stop solution for on-site timing, verification, and participant engagement.

Integration and Technical Notes

• Full Production Release:
  Mobile Timing V5 is now fully live on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  Timers who previously participated in beta testing should remove themselves from the beta program to ensure they’re using the production version.

• Dropbox and Connectivity:
  The app continues to support Dropbox integration for backup data sharing.
  Future plans include moving toward direct RunSignup or local network syncing to remove external dependencies.

• Offline Reliability:
  All data (photos, timestamps, and metadata) are stored locally on the device and automatically uploaded once connectivity is restored—ensuring zero data loss, even in low-signal areas.

• Compression and Upload Settings:
  Timers can adjust image quality and compression in-app to optimize uploads based on available bandwidth.

• Third-Party Photography:
  Currently, auto-tagging is exclusive to photos uploaded through RunSignup’s photo platform. External photo services (e.g., SmugMug) are not integrated.

Key Takeaways

• Instant Results Integration: Photos automatically tag bib numbers and appear on the results page within minutes.

• Enhanced Sponsor Visibility: Add sponsor logos or event branding as photo watermarks for shared content.

• Easy Setup for Any Race Size: Works for professional timers and volunteer-led events alike.

• Offline Functionality: Capture and store photos without internet—auto-upload when back online.

• Future-Ready Platform: Upcoming updates will add automated capture, better visibility into uploads, and smarter AI detection.