Timing systems have long been an indispensable element of sporting events. But there are many systems on the market, and it is difficult to determine which one is better. In the article, we tell you what timing solutions exist and what to look for when choosing.

What timing technologies are used in sports competitions

Modern timing systems work using different technologies. Which one to use depends on the format of the event and operational tasks.

Transponder, chip or RFID systems

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has long been the standard for timing at regular races, circuit distances and multi-sport events.  Each participant receives an individual chip. When an athlete crosses a start/finish line or a checkpoint with a reader (antenna or mat), the system automatically records the passage time.

There are two types of chips.

• Passive chips are disposable and do not have a battery. They are usually integrated into the room or mounted on the case. This is an affordable option for mass starts, which allows you to handle large flows of participants.
• Active chips have their own power supply and independently transmit a signal. Such chips are more often used where maximum accuracy or complex route distribution is important: in cycling or multisport competitions.

 

Passive and active chips from Race Result

Photo finishing systems

Photo finish cameras accurately record the moment when the finish line is crossed, which is important in races with a minimum time difference between participants. The images are immediately sent to the software and show the result in a timestamped interface.

Such systems are best suited for stadium races, short distances, sprints and professional competitions, where maximum accuracy and visual confirmation of results are important.

GPS systems

GPS tracks where an athlete is through a satellite signal. Such systems are convenient on long and “stretched” trails (for example, trails), where it is difficult or expensive to install many physical reading points. They allow you to track the location of athletes in real time, but are rarely used as a single timing system.

Most often, such systems are needed at events with complex logistics: trails, ultramarathons, multi-day starts or multi-sport competitions over a large area.

Hybrid systems

These systems combine all of the above technologies. Transponder is used to record each route mark in detail, GPS is used for online tracking of participants at the distance, and a photo finish is used for maximum accuracy of results when determining the winners. This approach allows you to simultaneously get accurate timing and a complete picture of the movement of athletes on the track.

Overview of popular timing systems

There are many electronic timing systems on the market. Below is an overview of the most common of them.

Race Result

Race Result is a system that completes several tasks at once, from registration of participants, timing to publication of results. It works with both passive chips and active transponders. Usually, the kit includes a decoder, antennas/mats, additional modules for reading (depending on the configuration) and software for processing results.

Advantages:

• all in one system: registration, timing, results;
• suitable for both small starts and large competitions;
• convenient work with data and protocols.

Restrictions:

• requires more technical skills in the team than in simpler systems;
• For high-quality setup at complex events, it is better to have an experienced contractor.

Race Result is a good choice if you want a scalable system but are willing to put in the time and resources to set it up.

MyLaps

A system widely used in mass running, trails, cycling and triathlon. BibTag technology is used both in local races and in large-scale marathons with tens of thousands of participants.

The kit includes: decoders, modular readers (mats and portable antennas) and software for processing the results.

Advantages:

• suitable for big starts with thousands of participants;
• works stably on tracks with multiple control points;
• It is widely used in the world.

Disadvantages:

• relatively high cost of equipment and rent;
• For small starts, the system is often redundant and does not justify the budget.

If you need a proven system for a big start with a high load, MyLaps will be a solid choice

ChronoTrack

It is a comprehensive platform for timing and race management. The system supports hardware solutions for chip/transponder reading, modules for track control and has ChronoTrack Live software for participant registration, data processing and results.

Advantages:

• suitable for small starts of up to a thousand participants;
• works stably on tracks with multiple control points;
• Integrated platform for managing registration and live results.

Disadvantages:

• less stability of equipment;
• Fewer options for customization for complex events.

ChronoTrack is well suited for those looking for a comprehensive solution for small sporting events.

FinishLynx

FinishLynx is most often used where it is important to determine exactly who crossed the finish line first: in stadium athletics, road races and cycling. If necessary, it can be combined with chip timing (RFID/transponders) to get both mass results and accurate confirmation of the finish line from the photo.

Advantages:

• suitable for both small starts at the stadium and large competitions;
• provides accurate work with video and photo data;
• Certified for professional starts.

Disadvantages:

• high cost of equipment and software;
• fewer opportunities for flexible customization for complex events;
• An experienced contractor is needed for quality work.

FinishLynx will be an excellent choice for events where accuracy and visual confirmation of the result are important.

RunOnRufus

A cloud-based platform that works with RFID reading through the Race Manager software. Can use different types of readers and process data both locally and in the cloud.

Advantages:

• can work offline and then sync data when there is a connection;
• convenient for large-scale events and competitions with complex logistics;
• supports various configurations of RFID equipment.

Disadvantages:

• more difficult to set up due to local processing and synchronization;
• Less convenient for mass city starts, where quick access to data is important.

RunOnRufus is best when you have a complex event and need to be prepared for an unstable internet.

RFID Race Timing

RFID systems are often used at local and regional launches, where a balance between functionality and budget is important. Typically, such electronic timing  solutions include all basic equipment: chips, antennas/mats, decoders, and software for processing results.

Advantages:

• more affordable;
• allow integration with other services and sites via API.

Disadvantages:

• less often used at major sporting events;
• fewer opportunities for complex multi-segment tracks.

Conclusion: this is a good option for starts, where it is important to keep a balance between budget and reliable basic timing.

How to choose a timing system

When choosing a timing system, it is important to start from the format of the event and how your team works.

1. Appreciate the scale and complexity of the track

Think about how many participants you expect and how many points you need to capture. For a small start with one finish, the basic system from RFID Race Timing is suitable. For a marathon or triathlon with multiple distances, you need a scalable platform with redundancy,for example, timing from Race Result and MyLaps.

2. Prioritize

Determine what is more important to you: budget optimization or maximum accuracy. Passive RFID chips are an economical option for mass launches. Active or hybrid systems should be chosen where an error is unacceptable.

3. Think about the load

Hundreds of people can pass at the start and finish line in a few minutes. The system should stably read chips without gaps and without delays in generating results.

4. Assess the need for integration

If it is important for you to combine registration, timing, and publication of results into one platform, choose a system with ready-made software or API integrations. This will simplify the team’s work and make the process transparent for participants.

A responsible approach to the choice of timing systems guarantees the stability and accuracy of the results. You can find out more about the consequences of an unsuccessful choice here .

The IKS team will help you choose the best timing solution for your event. Contact with us for a consultation.