At nearly every race, someone will say, “There was a timing issue!” Maybe their name is missing from the results, their age group looks wrong, or they’re listed in the wrong division. We completely understand the frustration — but often, what seems like a timing issue is actually a data issue. Here’s how to tell the difference.
What Is a Timing Issue?
The timing equipment has two main jobs:
- Scan the chip when it crosses the reader.
- Connect the time with that chip in the system.
When your chip crosses the start line, the system assigns a start time. When you cross the finish line, it assigns a finish time. From there, results are calculated.
At Athlete Guild, we build in multiple layers of backup to ensure accuracy — including additional readers, manual entry systems, and redundant backups. But occasionally, something interrupts the signal between the reader and your chip. Common causes include:
- A jacket, belt, or arm covering the bib.
- A bib pinned on the back instead of the front.
- A bent or crushed chip.
- A duplicate bib from another race (tip: clean out your strollers and jackets between races).
- A malfunctioning chip (rare).
A Side Note: When the System Works Too Well
Sometimes the timing equipment is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do — reading a chip — but the person holding that chip isn’t racing!
We’ve seen this happen when a spectator is standing near the start or finish line holding a packet for someone who didn’t make it to the race. The timing readers don’t know that, and if the chip is close enough, they’ll pick it up and record a start or finish time. Our timers monitor results for times that don’t seem realistic, but it has happened that someone stood at the start with a friend’s packet, left for coffee, and returned just in time to “finish” the race with a perfectly believable time!
What Is a Data Issue?
Data issues happen on the human side — before or during the race. Examples include:
- A birthdate typed incorrectly during registration.
- Registering for the wrong distance (10K instead of 5K).
- Swapping bibs with a friend or family member.
- Forgetting to notify us of a change.
Data issues often show up more visibly during awards or results. You might hear:
“Hey! I’m not a male!”
“Wait, I’m not 14!”
“Why does it say I ran a 25-minute 10K?!”
Those are data issues, not timing errors.
How You Can Help
Before race day — check your registration confirmation email.
Didn’t get it?
- Check your spam folder.
- If you registered multiple people under one email, only the first person may receive the confirmation.
- You can always go to the race page on athleteguild.com, click Athletes, and search for your name to confirm your details.
On race day — Look Before You Leave!
Before heading home, double-check your name, age, gender, and division at the results kiosk or online. Catching small mistakes early helps us correct them quickly.
We hope this helps clear things up! Whether it’s a data issue or a rare timing issue, we’re here to help make sure every race is accurate and fair.
🏁 See you at your next event!
Sign up today at athleteguild.com
