First 5K race question??? Help please

shopewell70

I am looking at entering my first ever 5K race. In reviewing the registration it said they would be using the D-tag timing. My question is do I purchase this ahead of time or do they give you this as part of the registration fee? If I have to buy it ahead of time where do I purchase it?

Cant believe I am actually doing this? I would have laughed about 6 months ago at the thought of doing a 5k race, but thanks to my friends here at MFP y'all have given me a totally different outlook. By the way, is there anyone from Mississippi that is doing any 5K races this year?

betsyr13

Usually the timing device is included in the price of the race and they give it to you the night before or the morning of the race (whenever you pick up your race packet). The D tag is just a disposable plastic thing that you put through your shoelaces. They're easy to use.

Good luck with your first race! It'll be great fun and after you finish the first one you'll probably be running out to sign up for another one.

nuttyfamily

The tags and chips are included or at least I have never had to pay for them.

Have fun!

smzamors

I'm guessing a D-tag timer just means it's a race using a "chip" timer.

Typically the cost of the race registration covers the chip timer. This timer involves an electronic sensor that records when a person has crossed the start line (which starts the individual's time), and when the runner crosses the finish line (which stops the individual's time). In the "olden days" (like a couple of years ago), a runner's time was based on when the clock started, versus when the runner crossed the start line. It might sound like a trivial few seconds, but if the race is crowded,once the race has started, it can take several minutes for all the runners to clear the start line. In an example, a runner might have completed the race in 30 minutes according to her digital watch, but because she was at the back of the line when the race started, in the old days, her finish time might have been more like 34 minutes. With the chip, the actual start and end time are recorded.

This new system of chip timers makes it fair and accurate for everyone and discourages runners from elbowing their way to the front of the line.

Lastly, logistics of the chip: when you receive your running packet, there will be a little piece of plastic--about the size of a bottle cap, only with holes in it. The packet will also have a plastic tie. You'll attach the chip to your shoelaces with the tie. At the end of the race, race helpers will assist you in removing the chip so it can be returned. It's very light and you won't even be aware of it.

Best of luck! I'm sure you'll have a blast!

flabulous4

I was going to say I don't know how it works in the US, but here in UK I've entered 2 and chip is covered both times in the cost of the race.
When's your 5K?

MMarvelous

I have done nearly 20 5k races in the past 18 months and I have never had to purchase a timing device.

shopewell70

I was going to say I don't know how it works in the US, but here in UK I've entered 2 and chip is covered both times in the cost of the race.
When's your 5K?

Sardis April Fest 5K Run....April 7th....Sardis, MS

SueInAz

Lastly, logistics of the chip: when you receive your running packet, there will be a little piece of plastic--about the size of a bottle cap, only with holes in it. The packet will also have a plastic tie. You'll attach the chip to your shoelaces with the tie. At the end of the race, race helpers will assist you in removing the chip so it can be returned. It's very light and you won't even be aware of it.

Good info except the D-tag is actually a strip of plastic with an adhesive at one end. You slip it through your shoe laces and make sure the flat part of the "D" it forms is underneath the laces. The rest of it will stick above your laces in a loop. Here's info if you want to see what it looks like and how to attach it.

http://www.chronotrack.com/pdf/D_Tag_Instructions.pdf

shopewell70

Thanks a bunch for all the info. And SueinAZ, thanks for the link. I am such a visual.

sc1572

normally it's included congrats on your first 5k! i ran my first in december and loved it!

craziedazie

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Mississippi here. I am planning on TRYING to run in one at the end of March.