1st race with electronic chip timing tomorrow

quilteryoyo
quilteryoyo Posts: 6,444 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am running a 4 mile race in the morning. I have only ran in one other official race, a 10K trail run 2 years ago. This will be the first time I will be running where they are using electronic chip timers. Any advice?

Replies

  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Nothing to it. Line up based your pace (faster runners in the front, slower runners in the back). Your time starts when you cross the start line and finishes when cross the finish line.
  • quilteryoyo
    quilteryoyo Posts: 6,444 Member
    Ok. Thanks. I just wasn't sure if there was anything special I needed to know.
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    Have a great race!! :D
  • rob021880
    rob021880 Posts: 28
    I've ran 2 races w/ chips and not even thought about it. My advice, Keep Moving Forward and Have Fun! Good Luck!!
  • ebaymommy
    ebaymommy Posts: 1,067 Member
    Nothing to it. Line up based your pace (faster runners in the front, slower runners in the back). Your time starts when you cross the start line and finishes when cross the finish line.

    ditto. chip timed races are great, you don't have to worry about getting across the start line fast because your time doesn't start counting until YOU cross.
  • quilteryoyo
    quilteryoyo Posts: 6,444 Member
    Thank you. Check back later tomorrow and I'll let you know how I did.
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    The winners are usually still decided by gun time rather than chip time.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    You've gotten all of the advice you need! Good luck tomorrow!
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    Do you know if it's a shoe chip or a bib chip?

    If it's a shoe chip, be aware that they may collect it at the finish line (they will have race workers with snips). Also, use two ties to keep it secure to your laces. You don't want it flopping.
  • MMarvelous
    MMarvelous Posts: 1,067 Member
    Just keep pushing yourself to take that next step. You don't notice you have a chip. Don't run past the people at the finish line who are there to cut timer off your shoe LOL
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    The winners are usually still decided by gun time rather than chip time.

    Not in my area! Although it usually isn't a close race, but it is always listed by chip time for the age group and overall awards.


    For the OP, make sure to give the chip back if it's a shoe chip. Don't bend your bib if it's a bib chip.

    Have a blast!!!!! Chip races are fun, the start is usually much better than a gun time start where everyone jostles.
  • hennyben
    hennyben Posts: 313 Member
    Hey, good luck. I ran my first official race last night, a 4 miler also!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    The winners are usually still decided by gun time rather than chip time.

    This is true for tactical purposes. Racers running for the win need to be able to see one another. The only way to do that is with gun time (you can't race somebody you can't see).
  • quilteryoyo
    quilteryoyo Posts: 6,444 Member
    Just to let you all know, I ran the 4 miles in 43:29. I know that is probably really slow for a lot of you, but it is better than I've ever done and beat my goal of 44:00. And, I got third place in my age division. Thanks everyone. Happy racing. :happy:
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    Just to let you all know, I ran the 4 miles in 43:29. I know that is probably really slow for a lot of you, but it is better than I've ever done and beat my goal of 44:00. And, I got third place in my age division. Thanks everyone. Happy racing. :happy:

    Third place! AWESOME!!! I've never placed... well done :D Congratulations!
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    Just to let you all know, I ran the 4 miles in 43:29. I know that is probably really slow for a lot of you, but it is better than I've ever done and beat my goal of 44:00. And, I got third place in my age division. Thanks everyone. Happy racing. :happy:

    Sounds like it was a fantastic race! You did great!

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