Race Timing Technologies
If you know what hardware you want for timing, you click on the buttons below to find timers that use that technology. All of the hardware options below specialize in RFID chip timing.
RFID Timing Hardware Contents
RFID Timing Hardware
The most common timing method for races is RFID chip timing. RFID chip timing helps ensure timing accuracy and avoids human errors. Below, learn about the top RFID timing hardware in the industry.
ChronoTrack
ChronoTrack offers UHF RFID chip timing. You can opt for single-use bib or triathlon tags, reusable triathlon tags, or bike tags. ChronoTrack’s system uses mats, antenna, or its AeroTrack Reader to scan chips to capture race times accurately.
IPICO
IPICO offers RFID chip timing. It has three different readers to meet the needs of races of various sizes. The Super Elite: DF is designed for races with more than 2,000 participants. The Super Elite: UHF works well for most road races. And, the Lite Reader is a good fit for races with fewer than 2,000 participants.
MYLAPS
MYLAPS offers two chip timing options for endurance events – the BibTag System and the ProChip Timing System. The BibTag System works well for running, cycling, and triathlon events. The ProChip Timing System works well for road cycling, triathlon, mountain biking, BMX, and speed skating events.
Jaguar
From Innovative Timing Systems, Jaguar’s timing hardware boasts fast read rates for its RFID timing hardware. It also offers high-speed photo capture. The Jaguar timing system works well for track, cross country, trail races, skiing, kayak, and sailing races.
Orbiter
Orbiter offers RFID timing software and equipment. The equipment is easy to set-up. Orbiter’s equipment has been used by the United States Military and NASA.
Trident
Trident’s timing system supports both DF or UHF RFID chip timing. With DF RFID chip timing, Trident offers the DF HyperMat, DF ActiveLoop, the DF AnkleTag, DF ShoeTag, DF BibTag, and DF Extreme Tag. With the UHF RFID system, it offers the UHF Mat, UHF Side Antenna, UHF Disposable Tag, and the UHF Reusable Tag.
RFID Race Timing Systems
RFID Race Timing Systems offers UHF RFID timing systems – including a system designed for cycling and multi-sports events. It also offers reusable and disposable tags.
RACE RESULT
RACE RESULT offers both timing software and German-engineered timing hardware. Hardware options include an Active Timing Solution or a Passive Timing Solution. The active timing solution works well for high speed precision. The passive timing solution uses UHF RFID. It offers bib tags, a reusable HuTag, or a triathlon transponder.
Agee Timing
Created by a running enthusiast, Agee Timing specializes in timing software that is regularly updated. It also sells RFID timing hardware and reusable RFID show or hip tags.
DIY Timing Options
Hiring a timer can be expensive, especially if it’s your first time organizing a race. You can save money and still deliver great timing and results for your race. As you evaluate timing software options, consider the three items below to ensure the timing software is a good fit for your race:
- Timing Method
- Race Size
- Splits, Laps, & Teams
1. Timing Method
Most DIY timing options are manual timing approaches. However, there are also some DIY chip timing options. Chip timing options are going to be more accurate and more important for very competitive races—especially if you’re offering prize money.
If you’re doing a fun run or a turkey trot, manual timing can be a great fit.
2. Race Size
Consider how many participants you’ll have at your race. The more people you have, you may need to have athletes start the race in waves that each have their own start time. Or, you may have more than one athlete crossing the finish line at a time, so you need to have multi-user access so you can capture the timing accurately.
3. Splits, Laps, & Teams
If you’re doing a relay race and need to time each team member at different points of the race, and you need timing tools that can manage that. If your race has multiple laps, your timing system needs to track laps and timing.
If your participants are interested in their splits, or how fast they were going at various points of your race, you’ll need to find timing software that can manage that.
Timing.Mobi
Timing Method: Manual
Software Cost: $50–200+
System Compatibility: All
Equipment: Computer & Smartphone
Ideal For: Races of all sizes
With this online timing software, you can time events of all sizes. Use bib numbers or QR code scanning to time from a smart phone. You can also edit mistakes as needed. Timing for your first event is free. Events with under 50 people are also free.
RaceGorilla
Timing Method: Manual and photocell (RFID)
Software Cost: 39–299 euros plus more for over 40 participants
System Compatibility: Apple & Android
Equipment: None or 1,195–1,250 euros for photocell timing
Ideal For: Small to mid-sized events
With RaceGorilla you can time your races yourself. Its timing app is user-friendly and permits multiple users. With manual timing, you can start and stop for individuals or groups. It also offers photocell timing that helps your timing be more accurate.
RaceGorilla also offers live results posting. Each of your events will have their own dedicated page.
RaceSplitter
Timing Method: Manual stopwatch
Cost: $34.99
System Compatibility: Apple devices only
Equipment: None
Ideal For: Small races or coaches
RaceSplitter offers timing and results posting for all kinds of races. It supports interval, wave, and mass start races.
You can create groups for each category and starting line lists. These can be created manually on the app or easily online.
Once you’ve started timing your race, you’ll type in each bib number and tap it as the athlete passes you.
You can post results online directly from the app at any time.
RaceClocker
Timing System: Manual
Cost: $79–$209 per year
System Compatibility: Apple & Android
Equipment: N/A
Ideal For: Races with 500 participants or fewer
RaceClocker is a manual timing app. You can import start lists, time anywhere, and correct mistakes. The software also handles splits, waves, and a mass start. You can also post live results to keep everyone updated on race day. You can use RaceClocker for free for races smaller than 10 people.
Orbiter
Timing System: RFID chip
Software Cost: Undisclosed
System Compatibility: Any personal computer
Equipment: $495.00 to rent
Ideal For: Races of all sizes and courses of all types
Orbiter’s timing system has been used by the US military and even NASA. It uses an antenna to do its RFID chip timing and also counts laps. Its hardware is durable and requires minimal set-up. What distinguishes Orbiter is its low rental prices and ease of use compared to other options. It’s a great do-it-yourself timing system, and especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
Gun Time vs. Chip Time
As soon as the race starts, the finish line clock starts. The time on the clock is what a lot of runners will see as they cross the finish line.
However, the real time is the chip time because that’s exactly when you crossed the finish line. For some large races, the start occurs in waves. For example, a runner could start in the second wave and finish in a faster time than someone in the first wave because they ran at a faster rate.
Backup Timing Protocols
If you hire a timer, they should have their own backup timing protocols to ensure that all of your participants get an accurate finishing time. It’s important for resolving disputes or if the system experiences a hiccup.
If you’re timing your race yourself, you need to have your own backup plan. If you’re using RFID chip timing, have manual timers also just in case. Having a recording of the finish line can also help you in case of disputes or a system hiccup.
Ready to hire a timer?
