Your timer is the last thing runners experience at your race — the results. Here's a checklist for choosing one.
1. Timing technology
For road and cross country, look for UHF bib-tag chip timing with start and finish mats (we use UHF RFID bib-tag chips). For track, insist on fully automatic timing — we use FinishLynx photo-finish cameras — rather than hand times.
2. Results speed and access
Results should be live during the race and final shortly after the last finisher, viewable on a phone, and permanently available online. Ask where results will live in five years.
3. Runner experience
- Text and email alerts at splits and the finish
- Finish photos and video
- Age-group results and awards lists ready before the ceremony
4. Registration and bibs
A timer who also handles online registration with custom bibs removes a whole category of race-morning problems: names, ages and bibs all match.
5. Local experience
Ask which events and courses they've timed. Long Island courses — Sunken Meadow, Bethpage, beach boardwalks, village streets — each have quirks for mat placement and finish chutes.
6. Clear pricing
Get a quote that lists what's included: chips, bibs, splits, alerts, photos, video and staff.
Ready to compare? Request a quote.