Split times

[KimB]

Anyone out there have any pointers on how to get accurate split
times? We are having a 5K race soon and would like to call out split
time at 1st and 2nd miles. How do I ensure that the people holding
those stop watches started timing at the same time as the official
timer? Should have the people calling splits be at the starting line
so they can all start together then have them rush to their mile
markers? Any help is appreciated!!

Kim

[j. alain ferry - racemenu]

We do it with cell phones at our events; three way call between the two mile markers and one person at the start.

 j. alain ferry | 617.512.6767

[Jay Diener]

Hi Kim,

The best way to ensure that your split timers' watches all start when the gun goes off is to have them at the start line, start their watches, and then get to their mile markers before the runners get there. It is more efficient if you have one car that can drop off both timers. That car should be ahead of the runners with the engine running at the start. Open the windows so your timers can clearly hear the start. If there are police there, it is always good to let them know those vehicles will be taking off ahead of the runners.

Have fun!

Jay

Jay Diener
coastw...@gmail.com

[veteran...@gmail.com]

Alternate method that most larger events use if they don't have a contractor
setting and placing mile clocks, is to use cell phones. Make the calls at
least 2 or 3 minutes before start and the start line person(s) should call
the course person(s), not the other way round. Only the start line knows
when the start is happening and sometimes it's early.

Also agree on what the "REAL" start word is going to be. Don't rely on the
listener hearing a horn or gun, the word "now" a single "GO". A short
warning and then "Go Go Go" is what the professionals use. There are so many
false starts, holds and words that might get said or happen, (and not be the
start) but "go go go" is not something that gets said unless it's
happening.

Steve

[KimB]

Thanks for your help everyone.

Kim

On Sep 16, 7:50 am, Jay Diener <coastwalk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Kim,
>
> The best way to ensure that your split timers' watches all start when the gun goes off is to have them at the start line, start their watches, and then get to their mile markers before the runners get there. It is more efficient if you have one car that can drop off both timers. That car should be ahead of the runners with the engine running at the start. Open the windows so your timers can clearly hear the start. If there are police there, it is always good to let them know those vehicles will be taking off ahead of the runners.
>
> Have fun!
>
> Jay
>
> Jay Diener

> coastwalk...@gmail.com