If you're new to the local racing scene you may be wondering what "tag" or "bib" timing is versus "chip" timing. Throw in "gun" time and you're probably really confused, right?
Let me try and explain it to you in the next few posts -- particularly how (and when) it's used by the Erie Runners Club.
Today, we're talking chips.
Mmmmmm....speaking of which...have you ever tried the Pringles light sour-cream and onion chips? They're fantastic...but...I digress...
We're not talking about salty, crunchy chips -- we're talking computer chips.
What it is: The Chip Timing (also called by the brand name "Champion Chip" timing) method of compiling results requires you to wear a little microchip that you will attach to your shoe with a small (provided) plastic rip-tie. The chip itself is a hard, round, plastic disk that contains a unique identification number that is activated when you cross the chip mat. As you pass over the special timing mats, you'll hear a tweeting sound. At the beginning of a race, when hundreds are crossing the mat in seconds, the sound is a constant high-pitched whine.
When it's used: The ERC uses this for larger events such as the Half Marathon, the Presque Isle Marathon, the Turkey Trot and the Hamot 10K. Sometimes smaller races will be "chipped," but there's an expense involved (a base price for timing and a price-per-runner) in this method of timing that makes it cost-prohibitive for most races (particularly those being done to raise money for charity).
Getting your chip: If a race is chipped, the volunteers will tell you that when you pick up your packet. If you're unsure...ask. Or, look at all the other runner's shoes -- if you see black discs on them...it's a chipped race and you need to find out where they are distributing chips (it's usually a separate line and place from the packet pickup line).
How it works: Without getting all technical on you (if you want technical...read this), the chip sends your information directly to the timing computer every time you cross a timing mat. In most ERC races, there will be only one mat -- the finish line mat -- the one you cross at the end of the race. In larger races, there are sometimes mats at certain "splits" or distances (i.e. the halfway point).
Checking your chip: At large races, they usually "check your chip" before the race by running it over a sensor and confirming that they have the right name and info. for you. In Erie, I've only experienced this at the Marathon.
Starting mats: The ERC doesn't often use mats at the starting line for one good reason -- it usually doesn't take more than a few seconds for folks to get to the starting line. Starting line mats are important in enormous races where it might take you 30 seconds or 3 minutes to get to the starting line. In that case, starting mats are important because it's not fair to add time to your race that you spent just trying to START the race. In most local races, start time is the same for everyone -- the "gun" time (see below).
Chip time vs. Gun time: Coach Jenny from Runner's World did a pretty good job of explaining this here.
Hand over the chip: Chips are expensive -- about $35 each -- so most race directors are militant about getting them back from you at the end of the race. When you finish the race (no need to stay in order...the chip knows where you finished), there will be volunteers standing there with buckets and clippers ready to kneel down and clip off your chip. Stop, stick your foot out and try to say "thank you" if you have any breath left. At the very least, try not to throw up on them -- they are volunteers. :-)
Accurate times and info: As a runner, the best benefit to running a chipped race is that you will get more accurate information about your race performance. Also...results are usually done MUCH faster. In most races, you will not only get your accurate finish time, but you'll also get your pace-per-mile and, if there were any other mats on the course, you'll see your splits (time that you crossed those mats).
If you see a problem: Go to the registration table as soon as your realize there's a problem and tell a volunteer. They'll get the correct information to the timing folks. Don't wait until the results are done -- report any issues as soon as your notice them.
What if you do/don't get a race number? Most local race directors issue a bib number as well as a chip so they have a backup means of timing (the bib #s) if something goes wrong with the chip system. As far as runners are concerned, the bib number is a souvenir.
Who does it? Locally, chip timing is done by Runner's High - most likely a guy named Jim Lang who is also the guy who maintains the ERC Web site. If not Jim, timing is done by Runner's High owner, Mark Courtney (a seriously fast runner himself).
Want to know more? Did I answer all your burning timing questions? If not, e-mail me. Or, you can likely find everything you ever wanted to know about timing I'll bet here.