Whether it’s your first time Timing an event or your 10,000th it is always important to prepare. Each event is different and preparation can save you, the race directors that you work with, AND the athletes participating in your events time, stress, and headaches. We chatted with Adam Swansen from EnMotive, Kristen Loescher from Arsenal Events, and Ben Madson from ChronoTrack’s support team to discuss their top tips when preparing for an event.
Interview The Race Director
As Timer, specifically an experienced one, you can sometimes make assumptions that are different than what the Race Director is actually expecting. It is important to talk to your RD about everything the event happens. The following are examples of things to discuss:
- Race Distance
- Cheater Mats
- Start and Finish Locations
- Maps
- Announcer
- Packet Pickup and Event Day Pickup Timelines, Staffing, and Needs
- Award Brackets and Medal
Use A Packing List
No one is perfect, regardless of experience. It is super important to have and double-check a packing list to ensure that you have everything you could possibly need for an event, including things that your RD may forget. First, check your equipment, including testing your batteries and cables, then move on to the extras that could be a godsend on event morning.
Example:
- Zip Ties
- Surge Protectors
- Extra Power Cables
- Ethernet Cables
- Safety Pins
- Air Horns
- Extra USB Drives
- Starter’s Pistol
- iPad
- Towels
- Tent
- (Spray) Chalk
- Tables
- Sunscreen
- Megaphone
- Barricades
- First Aid Kit
Download MobileTrack
Seriously, we’re not just saying that because it’s our product. MobileTrack (available in the ios app store and google play store) is a free piece of equipment that can save the day when you run into unexpected situations. It’s so simple to use that you can task volunteers with using it to grab backup reads, help at remote split points, etc. The possibilities are endless and it just might save your butt when you least expect it.
