Mud Runs
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Our experience in timing mud runs has consistently shown that because of the very challenging environment you need optimum performance from timing equipment.
The very conditions which make mud runs so enjoyable (and challenging) for your entrants, create a challenging environment for electronic timing equipment.We consistently achieve very good results with RFID timing tags mounted one each side on the reverse of the entrant’s race number. The bib is then pinned to the entrant’s clothing (mid abdomen height or lower).
The “elephant in the room” is that by the very nature of a “mud run” event a few entrants will lose their chips. A proven advantage of using ChronoTrack's bib tags is that it is readily apparent which entrants have lost their bibs as they approach the finish line so appropriate action can be taken to record a manual time. When using shoe/ankle located tags some entrants also always losetheir shoes and/or tags. Unlike the clarity provided when using bib tags, we had found it very difficult to identify everyone with a missing shoe or ankle tag.The industry standard for electronic timing is for two timing lines at the finish, the standard line and a back-up to capture any tags missed on the first line. We use a combination of ChronoTrack’s ground placed aerials (mats), and additional side mounted aerials (FlashPoints) to achieve optimal performance.
An additional significant benefit of bib tags, for both athletes and organisers, is that the tags are single use. You do not need to scrape around each entrant’s mud-covered ankle to retrieve the timing chip - and there is no additional charging for lost or non-returned chips.
Active TagsWe can also offer the option of using ChronoTrack’s active tags for mud run events. The active tags are threaded through a disposable strap, and the strap is then fastened securely around the entrant’s wrist or ankle.
The active tags provide a very high signal strength. The active tags must be returned. Any and all non returned or damaged active tags will be charged at replacement cost. Wrist attachment has a lower loss rate, however losses may be around 10% of starters depending on your course.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with you as timing providers for your “Mud Run”.