Tap, Save, Sync: Our Race Timing Web App Puts Timing in Every Marshal's Pocket
Sports Timing Solutions has launched its own race timing system, built in-house and designed around the realities of timing smaller events out on the course.
Chip timing is the gold standard for race results, but we know it isn't always the right fit. For smaller events, like a club 5K, grass roots triathlon, a school fun run, a charity trail race or a first-year event finding its feet, the cost of full professional chip timing can be hard to justify on a modest entry list.
That's exactly why we developed our race timing web app. It gives smaller events accurate, reliable timing for FREE, by turning any marshal's phone into a timing point.
How it works
There's nothing to download from an app store. A marshal scans a QR code or opens a link, enters the event's 8-digit password, and picks the timing point they're stationed at. That's the setup done, and the phone remembers it for the rest of the day.
From then on, it's as simple as it gets: as each runner passes, the marshal types the bib number and taps Save Time. A beep and a green confirmation show the time has been recorded, and it appears straight away in a running log on screen.
Built for the middle of nowhere
Races don't always happen where the phone signal is strong. Hilltops, forests and coastal paths are exactly where signal drops out. So the app works fully offline. If there's no connection, times are stored safely on the phone and marked as Pending. As soon as signal returns, they sync to our system automatically in the background. The marshal doesn't need to do anything.
Every time is recorded in local time at the moment of the tap, so results stay accurate however patchy the connection.
Behind the scenes
Each tap feeds into our timing admin system, where results come together in real time. The system handles gun time and net time, calculates splits between each checkpoint, and produces printable results reports. Ready-made setups for running, triathlon and duathlon events mean races and timing points are created in moments. Event organisers can also be given their own login, with access to just their own events.
When we improve the app, marshals don't need to reinstall anything. A banner simply appears inviting them to refresh whenever there's a quiet moment between runners.
Ready to grow with your event
The web app is designed to give smaller events a proper timing solution from day one. But we know events grow. As entry numbers climb, finish funnels get busier and hundreds of runners start crossing the line within minutes of each other. At that point it makes sense to step up to chip timing.
When your event becomes too big for the web app to handle comfortably, we're on hand to provide our full set of professional timing services: chip timing, free live tracking with STS Tracker and free finisher certificates. You'll already know us and how we work, and moving over is a natural next step rather than starting again with someone new.
"We developed the web app for those smaller events where chip timing just isn't quite cost effective," says Mark, founder of Sports Timing Solutions. "It means every event can have proper timing, whatever its size. And when an event outgrows it, we're right here with our full professional timing service, ready to take it to the next level."
Want to see it in action?
Whether you're organising a small community run or a large-scale event, get in touch through our Make An Enquiry form. We'd be happy to talk you through the best timing option for you.