Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about something? Here are the most common questions we receive, along with their answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

In the world of endurance sports, camaraderie and community spirit run deep. But one seemingly harmless gesture swapping race numbers can unravel the integrity and safety of an entire event. Whether it’s a friend stepping in last-minute or someone trying to dodge a transfer fee, the risks go far beyond administrative inconvenience. Here’s why race number swapping is a serious issue that every participant should understand.

The Hidden Risks Behind the Bib

1. Medical Emergencies Become Murky

Race bibs aren’t just identifiers they’re lifelines. Many events embed emergency contact details, allergy information, or medical conditions into the registration system linked to each bib. If a runner collapses and the bib doesn’t match the person wearing it:

  • Paramedics may administer incorrect treatment
  • Vital time is lost verifying identity
  • Family members may be wrongly notified or not at all

In high-intensity events like HYROX or long-distance races, this can be the difference between life and death.

2. Results and Rankings Get Skewed

Swapping bibs can distort race results in ways that ripple across the leaderboard:

  • A faster substitute runner could unfairly claim a podium spot or age-group prize
  • Gender and age categories become inaccurate, undermining fair competition
  • Club and team scoring can be invalidated, affecting regional or national standings

For events that feed into qualification systems or rankings, this isn’t just unfair it’s disruptive.

3. Insurance and Liability Issues

Most races are insured based on the registered participants. If someone gets injured while running under someone else’s name:

  • Insurance claims may be denied
  • Organisers could face legal repercussions
  • The runner may not be covered for medical costs

This puts both the individual and the event at risk.

4. Violation of Race Rules

Swapping numbers is a breach of most race terms and conditions. UK Athletics and other governing bodies treat it as a serious offense:

  • Participants may be disqualified
  • Clubs can face sanctions
  • Repeat offenders risk bans from future events

Even if the intent is innocent, the consequences are real.

What You Should Do Instead

Most reputable events  and online entry platforms like our own www.theentrypoint.co.uk offer official transfer options often up to a few days before race day. If you can’t take part:

  • Contact the organiser: Ask about official transfer policies
  • Use the race portal: Many systems allow name changes our certainly does and at no cost to the participant or oraniser.
  • Don’t hand off your bib informally: It’s not worth the risk

If you’re an event organiser, make this process clear and accessible. Transparency builds trust and trust builds loyalty.

A Message to the Running Community

Swapping race numbers might feel like helping a mate out. But in reality, it compromises safety, fairness, and the very spirit of the sport. As participants, organisers, and supporters, we all share the responsibility to protect the integrity of our events.

Let’s keep racing honest, safe, and participant-first—because every bib tells a story, and it should be the right one.

Introducing The Entry Point: Your Comprehensive Event Management Solution

First impressions matter, don’t they? Having a professional website for your running clubs and events is essential—it’s often the very first interaction participants will have with your events. Make it count!

At The Entry Point, we don't just stop at offering the UK's most affordable event entry and ticketing system. We go beyond, providing a wide array of event essentials designed to ensure your event's success, all at no extra cost.

Our Offerings Include:

  • FREE Website and Domain Name: Establish your online presence with a customised website and domain name, absolutely free.

  • FREE Race Timing System: Deliver professional race results without any cost, enhancing the experience for both participants and organisers.

  • Club & Team Memberships: Manage memberships efficiently with our integrated solution, simplifying administration tasks.

  • Ecommerce Module: Create a fully-fledged online store to sell merchandise, tickets, and more, all seamlessly integrated.

What sets us apart? Unlike other platforms, we prioritise your financial autonomy. Every time an entry or ticket is sold, the fees are instantly transferred to your payment system. No holding periods, no hidden charges—just straightforward, immediate payments.

Get in touch today and we can have you setup and running within a few minutes...

We get it, not all events have the numbers to justify our professional race timing services. And this is the main reason we created our FREE to use race timing platform. Timing cycling time trial events has never been easier. We provide you with absolutely everything you need to manage all aspects of your time trial events providing a simple seamless experience with live rider leaderboards in real time.

So how do you time a cycling time trial event for FREE?

Step 1

Create an account on our professional event managment platform The Entry Point.

Step 2

Create your event and start accepting rider entries you can either take a payment or provide your event for FREE.

Step 3

Download our completely free to use race timing app from either the Apple store or Google play. Our app is designed for both IOS and Android devices.

  

Step 4

On race day issue your riders with their race number. Start your riders off logging the time with our FREE app.

Step 5

We have a unique setting especially for cycling time trials. When the riders cross the finish line you simply click save to record their time, as the number is located on the back, once they have passed you can then see and record the number. You can have a couple of devices on the finish line to help should things get a little busy but we do find that 1 device works fine.

Step 6

Marvel at the instant results displayed on our live results pages. Professionally designed results broken down into any age categories you have specified.

Check out the results from a recent event that used our system - Click Here For Results

Step 7

Make any changes needed within your online administration section

Should your event become to large for our FREE to use system then get in touch and we can provide you with our professional live time trial timing and results services.

A FREE Race Timing System For Fell Running Really?

Yes you heard that right for FREE. Not all events have the numbers or the budget to utilise our professional race timing services. However all is not lost we have developed a simple to use race timing system that costs absolutely nothing to use. Yes you heard that right our race timing application is completely FREE to use.

  

We have developed a race timing platform that is ideal for the smaller events. Our web based system in combination with our FREE race timing application provides you with all of the tools that you need to get professional results regardless of your event size. Once your event grows then we are able to provide you with our fully fledged professional race timing services.

What can it be used for?

Our platform can be used for any type of sporting event where you need to capture start and finish times and produce instant live results.

• Running Events All Distances
• Fell Running Events
• Stair Climb Events
• Walking Events
• Race Timing For Cycling Time Trial Events

*Our race timing application is perfect for fell running events. all that you need is an iphone at the start to record the time the runners set off and an iphone at the end to record the time the runners finish. All times are streamed to our live results pages in real time.

STS Pro Time

Initially the application has been used for manual backups in addition to our electronic timing systems. We developed the new application to be freely available on all of the major mobile devices and operating systems. We have supplied the tools giving small events everything they need to provide professional results with a simple to use interface. Search For STS Pro Time on the app store.

The main uses for Pro Score:

• Manual Timing System (Ideal for smaller events with up to 200 entrants)
• Backup Timing System for use as a secondary manual backup system
• Accurately record wave and race start times
• Perfect solution for timing time trial type events
• Remote Splits can be used on a remote split saving in hardware costs
• Compatible with 3rd Party Scoring Software

Click here to see the demo results for an event that have chosen to use our FREE race timing application.

Free Results Page

We have the most user friendly timing system available and best of all it is provided for FREE.

CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT CLICK HERE

We get it, not all events have the numbers to justify our professional race timing services. And this is the main reason we created our FREE to use race timing platform. Timing running events has never been easier. We provide you with absolutely everything you need to manage all aspects of your event providing a simple seamless experience with live leaderboards in real time.

Our Free race timing service is 100% FREE to use, we do not provide the first 10 participants for FREE unlike others and then charge therafter. No limits just the perfect alternative to chip timing designed for the smaller events.

So how do you time a running race for FREE?

Step 1
Create an account on our professional event managment platform The Entry Point. CLICK HERE

Step 2
Create your event and start accepting entries you can either take a payment or provide your event for FREE.

Step 3
Download our completely free to use race timing app from either the Apple store or Google play. Our app is designed for both IOS and Android devices.

  

Step 4
On race day issue your runners  with their race number. Start your runners off logging the time with our FREE app.

Step 5
When the runner cross the finish line you simply click enter their number and click save to record their time. You can have a couple of devices on the finish line to help should things get a little busy but we do find that 1 device works fine.

Step 6
Marvel at the instant results displayed on our live results pages. Professionally designed results broken down into any age categories you have specified.

Check out the results from a recent event that used our system - Click Here For Results

Step 7
Make any changes needed within your online administration section

And should your event become to large for our FREE to use system then get in touch and we can provide you with our professional live timing and results services.

Free to use Race Timing in the UK, Affordable and Accessible!

In a groundbreaking move, Sports Timing Solutions have become more accessible than ever for sporting events across the United Kingdom. Whether you’re running a marathon, 10k, cycling event, or participating in a charity walk, we’ve got you covered.

Cost Effective Race Timing

Say goodbye to hefty fees! Our race timing pricing starts at an unbeatable £0. Yes, you read that right  FREE. We believe accurate timing shouldn’t break the bank and have created the perfect tool for the smaller events where our chip timing services are not cost effective. Should your event become too large to manage with our FREE race timing system then we are on hand to provide you with our fully fledged low cost race timing services backed by over 18 years experience.

Price Match Guarantee

We aim to provide a professional service at an affordable price. Send us a valid quotation from your current supplier and we can guarantee that we can beat it with like for like services. Our timing and results services speak for themselves, just take a look at our results pages. We provide many things for FREE with all of our race tmiming services.

Charity Chip Timing

Discounted rates for charity events (charity number needed)

Get in touch today!!

Affordable Chip Timing Services Help Charities Maximise Fundraising Potential

Organisers of charity running and walking events across the UK now have a powerful new ally in their mission to raise funds and deliver unforgettable participant experiences—thanks to a game-changing offer from a leading event services provider.

Professional Timing at a Fraction of the Cost

Charities can now access professional chip timing and live results at specially discounted rates, helping them save hundreds of pounds without compromising on quality. This initiative is designed to support fundraising efforts by reducing operational costs and enhancing the overall event experience.

Lowest Online Entry Fees in the UK

The service includes access to a low-cost online entry system, proudly boasting the lowest fees in the UK. This means more of each participant’s entry fee goes directly to the cause, not to overheads.

Complimentary Extras That Make a Difference

To further boost value for charities, the package includes a suite of complimentary features:

  • FREE Custom Branded Race Arch
  • FREE Race Clock
  • FREE personalised finisher certificates for every participant
  • FREE personal finish line videos to commemorate the achievement
  • Low-cost race numbers tailored for charity events

“We’re passionate about helping charities succeed,” said a spokesperson for the service. “By offering professional-grade chip timing and digital extras at a fraction of the usual cost, we’re making it easier for organisers to focus on what matters most—raising funds and creating memorable experiences.”

Calling All Charity Event Organisers

Whether you're planning a 5K fun run, a community walk, or a large-scale fundraising race, this offer provides the tools and support to elevate your event while keeping costs low.

For more details or to get started, make an enquiry below and discover how your next charity event can benefit from this affordable, high-impact solution.

We look forward to working with you to make your event a success

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Cyclo Cross Race Timing Revolution: Live Rider Times, Finish Line Video & Personalised Results

Cyclo Cross events are entering a new era of precision and engagement. Thanks to advanced sports timing solutions, we now offer live rider times, real-time finish line video, and a suite of participant-focused features that transform every race into a memorable experience.

Real-Time Rider Tracking for Cyclo Cross Events

Our Cyclo Cross race timing system delivers live race data from the moment the starting horn sounds. Riders’ split times, lap counts, and leaderboard positions are updated instantly, giving spectators and remote viewers a dynamic, second-by-second view of the action. Whether you're trackside or online, you’ll never miss a moment.

High-Definition Finish Line Video Streaming

Every rider’s final sprint is captured in HD finish line video, streamed live and available for replay. This feature not only celebrates each athlete’s achievement but also provides valuable media exposure for sponsors and event partners. It’s more than timing it’s storytelling.

Beyond Timing: Personalised Race Features

Our Cyclo Cross timing package includes:

  • Custom finisher certificates with official race time
  • Instant results display provided online for real-time updates
  • Sponsor-branded overlays for enhanced visibility and marketing ROI
  • *Branded Race Arch

These features are designed to boost participant satisfaction, increase sponsor engagement, and elevate the overall event experience.

Organiser Insight: Timing Meets Emotion

“We’re passionate about making every rider feel like a champion,” said the timing team. “By combining precision timing with emotional storytelling, we’re turning data into memories.”

*Additional fee applies

Mountain Bike Race Timing Revolution: Live Rider Times, Finish Line Video & Personalised Results

MTB events are entering a new era of precision and engagement. Thanks to advanced sports timing solutions, we now offer live rider times, real-time finish line video, and a suite of participant-focused features that transform every race into a memorable experience.

Real-Time Rider Tracking for MTB Events

Our MTB race timing system delivers live race data from the moment the starting horn sounds. Riders’ split times, lap counts, and leaderboard positions are updated instantly, giving spectators and remote viewers a dynamic, second-by-second view of the action. Whether you're trackside or online, you’ll never miss a moment.

High-Definition Finish Line Video Streaming

Every rider’s final sprint is captured in HD finish line video, streamed live and available for replay. This feature not only celebrates each athlete’s achievement but also provides valuable media exposure for sponsors and event partners. It’s more than timing it’s storytelling.

Beyond Timing: Personalised Race Features

Our MTB timing package includes:

  • Custom finisher certificates with official race time
  • Instant results display provided online for real-time updates
  • Sponsor-branded overlays for enhanced visibility and marketing ROI
  • *Branded Race Arch

These features are designed to boost participant satisfaction, increase sponsor engagement, and elevate the overall event experience.

Organiser Insight: Timing Meets Emotion

“We’re passionate about making every rider feel like a champion,” said the timing team. “By combining precision timing with emotional storytelling, we’re turning data into memories.”

*Additional fee applies

We always get asked what are RFID race number timing chips otherwise known as bib tags.

Race number timing chips are small electronic devices that attach to a race participant's bib or shoe to record their time during a race. They use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to measure the time it takes a participant to cross the starting and finish lines. 

Our PRO BIBTAG is an RFID chip that is encoded with a unique code associated with your race number.

These are then stuck to the back of your race number. We print the race number onto the timing chip so that they are easily identifiable.

We print an encode our own timing chips in house and can provide them in any number range and any amount as and when needed. Because we manufacture our own timing chips we are able to provide them at a much lower cost than other companies.

How do they work? 

  • When a participant crosses the starting line, the chip is energised by an electrical field from the starting mat.
  • The chip transmits its unique code.
  • Our timing box receives the code and records the time.
  • The software matches the code to the participant's information.
  • The participant's start time is recorded.
  • The same process is repeated when the participant crosses the finish line to record their finish time.
  • The participant's chip time is calculated by subtracting their start time from their finish time.

Where are they used? Marathons, 10k events, Cycle sportive events, Stair climb events, and Multi-sport events. 

What types of chips are used? 

  • Disposable race bibs: A common option that attaches a UHF RFID tag to a race bib
  • Trainer tags: Can be worn on a runner's shoelace.
  • Multi Sport Tags: These are often worn on the ankle and accompanied with a neoprene velcro strap. Typically used for Swimming,Triathlon & Duathlon Events

If you want to have chip timing at your event then get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cycle sportive chip timing uses RFID transponder chips to accurately measure the time it takes for each rider to complete a bike race. The chips are attached to the rider's handlebars or seat post and are designed to cross timing points in the best orientation. 

How it works

  • Riders wear the chips during the race 
  • The chips cross timing points, which are detected by antennas 
  • The chips send a signal to a timing system, which records the time 
  • The timing system displays the results to competitors and spectators in real time

Features

Here at Sports Timing Solutions we have been providing rider times, certificates, finish line video and so much more for the last 20 years.

Visit our dedicated cycle sportive timing page for full details: CLICK HERE

As a race timing company we always get asked "why are races not based upon the chip time?" Here is a brief overview of gun and chip times and what we use at various events. We provide the results based upon what the events ask for and they can differ between events.

Chip Time or Net Time

This is the precise time it takes an individual runner to complete the race. It starts when the runner crosses the starting line and ends when they cross the finish line. Chip times are usually faster than gun times because there can be a delay between the race start and when a runner begins due to the crowd at the starting line.

The chip time is always provided for informational purposes to provide an accurate time for individual runners.

Gun Time

The Gun time is the total time elapsed from the official race start to the moment a runner finishes. It includes any delay between the gun going off and a runner crossing the starting line. Gun time is generally used for determining overall rankings, records, and awards in certified races.

Official Results

Official race results are typically determined based on the gun time. This is the time from the official start of the race to when each participant crosses the finish line. Gun time is used to determine the overall winner and the finishing order of the race thereafter.

For example, in marathons and other races, the gun time is the standard for official results, world records, and qualifications for major competitions.

Official Races

As per the official race rules winners are awarded to the first person who crosses the finish line (being the winner) All finishers positions are awarded using the order they crossed the finish line thereafter.

Time Trials

Time trial results always  use the net time for all results. Participants set off at pre-determined times and the net time is used for the awarding or prizes and results the fastest personal time being the winner.

Why do all events not use the chip time?

As an example, in a 10k event you could have a runner set off last in the race and run the course with the fastest chip time making them the winner, even though thy did not raise their arms and finish as the winner. Could you imagine this scenario? This is why nearly all events use the official gun time for all results.

Category Results

We find that many events award the age based category results using the gun time, however we do find that some events choose to award the age based category results using the chip time.

Conclusion

There is no actual rule stating what events must adhere to when awarding prizes other than the official gun time and finishing order. As a timing company we provide the results that each individual event ask for and many use the general rules and guidance explained above.