5 organiser tips and tricks for race day

Timing a race is rarely won on technology: it is won on organisation. Here are five simple, field-tested tips so your volunteers stay in control, from the check-in queue to the prize-giving.

1

Queue getting longer? Switch to “walking check-in”

Every organiser’s nightmare: an endless queue for bib pick-up, 30 minutes before the start. Because Flash Chrono QR codes are not pre-assigned, your volunteers do not need a fixed table.

Action

Hand a stack of bibs to volunteers equipped with the app.

Method

They walk up the queue, find participants already registered, flash the first bib of their stack and hand it to the participant.

Result

The queue shrinks twice as fast and check-in becomes smooth, with no stress before the start.

2

Secure the finishing order with the cable-tie method

Using FLASH wristbands or reusable PVC supports? Create a physical “finish log” effortlessly.

Equipment

Cable ties.

Method

At the finish, cut the band, collect the runner’s PVC tag and thread it immediately onto a cable tie. Close tie no. 1 after 20 finishers for instance, then continue with tie no. 2, and so on.

Result

In case of doubt or a protest, you guarantee the exact physical finishing order. Simple, rustic, remarkably effective.

3

Bib covered in mud? No panic

In trail or cross-country, a bib can arrive unreadable, folded or covered in mud, and scanning the QR code gets hard. Do not waste time cleaning it while other runners cross the line.

Action

On the scan screen, tap the “pencil” icon at the bottom right straight away.

Method

Type the bib number readable by eye. The time is recorded the instant you confirm.

Result

No time lost and a complete ranking, even in the harshest conditions.

4

Turn the crowd into connected supporters

The crowd gathers around the finish asking “has number 114 finished?”. Free your team from repetitive questions by giving the information to the public.

Action

Print a large QR code pointing to your event’s public results page.

Method

Display it on the finish arch, at the refreshment stand and on the registration tables. Make sure the “Make public” option is on in the app at start time.

Result

Spectators follow the race live on their own phone, the atmosphere goes up a notch and your volunteers stay focused.

5

Optional: the digital “call room”

Not mandatory: flashing the checkpoints and the finish is enough to get your rankings. But if you want perfect statistics and to avoid calling absentees at the prize-giving, use the pre-start flash to filter entry into the start pen.

Action

Place two volunteers at the entrance of the start area with the app in scan mode.

Method

Each runner entering the pen gets flashed; the app knows exactly who actually started.

Result

Declare those who did not scan as “withdrawn” in bulk, in one tap. A 100% clean start list, and nobody joins the course halfway.

To go further, read the guide to timing a race with phones.