RaceSplitter — Race Timer

I used this last year for a 5K. I can’t figure out how to do results where the top 3 men and women are removed from the age groups. Emailed them a week before and got no response. This is pretty important for most races.

I’ve been organizing races for over a decade, back when timing was done using a handheld Seiko timer with paper roller print out. Then Stevens Creek came out with PocketTimer for the Palm Pilot and that was awesome. Still quirky but better than the old way, especially after they ported over to iPhone. Jump ahead and now the RaceSplitter is here with web based access. On the outset, it is very promising - especially the simplified input of racers and categories using a template with limited fields and the ability to import a CSV file. But using it can be frustrating, especially when it comes to making changes to timing entries on the fly (particularly if a wave start is used). Once you enable Auto-Split you are prohibited from making changes on the fly. Despite this, I continued to use it because I liked how the results were so easy to upload to RaceSplitter’s servers. But I cannot use it anymore as I narrowly avoided a catastrophe this past weekend at an event. Two days before the race I was trying to enter in racers directly into the app. I had no internet access so this was the only method I could use. The program kept crashing and wouldn’t let me add racers. Luckily, I still had Pockettimer Pro on my iPad and was able to duplicate the roster and then add the new racers very easily. Disappointed with RaceSplitter.

After some back n forth just to make sure it was going to do what I wanted (predict your time style run) I purchased this app. It worked perfect!! Customer service was awesome too. I saved about 200 bucks by using this app. Thanks RaceSplitter!

The main problem with this app is that it requires you to enter the bib number of the approaching runner at or before when the racer crosses the finish line. If the bib is on the back or obscured - or there are three runner finishing and blocking the view to bib numbers - the times will be off. Worse, there's no way to adjust the times on the app itself after you make this type of timing error - you have to first upload the results to the website, then edit. We'd like to see the timing done the opposite way. Give us a way to enter just the time stamps, and then add the bibs later. This is how timing is done with the age-old pen & paper method (or semi-automated using the Casio time printer).

Our local running club supports local races using an older timing system consisting of a push-button racing timer with an integrated printer. Given our desire to upgrade our system, we looked at several chip-timing systems but have balked at their relatively high cost. Initially skeptical of the one-time, low-cost of RaceSplitter, I figured we had nothing to lose and took the plunge. After familiarizing myself with the tutorial videos, I volunteered to use this as a backup to a recent race. The race director forwarded a list of 33 runners which I easily uploaded to the RaceSplitter website, then up to my iPhone. On race day, we had 21 more entrants and I literally stood under the race tent entering participants as they registered. Then… the race director decided to change the numbers/types of categories which required me to edit every racers' record. A few last minute entrants had me entering their data just before the race started. Although I was busy, the software was flexible enough to handle all these issues without ANY problems. Once the race started, I anxiously waited at the finish line waiting for the first runner to cross. When he appeared, I simply entered bib number 48 and hit the Record button. I like the fact that each runner's name is displayed after the number is input. I think the runners were surprised to hear their names as I shouted encouragement just before the finish line! The app performed flawlessly, and I continued to enter bib numbers until receiving word that the last runner had finished. Within seconds, I posted the results to the website and forwarded the link to the race director. As an aside, I watched in amusement as my fellow club members (the "official" finish line workers) pulled tags, placed them on a wire loop in order, compared them to the official list of finishers, and categorized them by group. Even more amusing was that they kept asking ME to verify names and group winners as the race progressed! Based on what I've witnessed, here are the pros and cons between chip-based systems and RaceSplitter: Chip-based + More accurate if used with sensors at the start and finish which is more suitable for VERY large 1000+ races. + Fully automatic once the race starts. - Extremely high cost ($3,000+ vs. $35) + chips! - Extensive set-up/tear-down time Race Splitter + Single cost with no extra consumables + Extremely portable (only iPhone required) + Ability to post results in near-real time and immediately (wi

this app works great for time trials and other events where everyone is registered before the first starting gun. but is not helpful for situations like a wave start road race or cross country race where people are still registering for later heats after the first heat has left. our grassroots short track series is a casual tuesday night series where people come from work and register on site at the last minute. if it were possible to run multiple races at once and enter laps and finish punches for ALL of them from the same screen, i'd love this app. as it is, its an imcomplete solution, with some holes.

The saying goes that you get what you pay for and with this app, you get more than what you pay for. Support is awesome-- quick, personal and great. Multiple messages answering all questions asked with helpful hints. Not a form letter as with some apps I have seen. These guys know their app and take the time to support their users. The integration with on line updates is key and a true solution for running events. I have priced out systems like this, from full systems to custom development and they are all in the thousands of dollars. I cannot say enough good things about this app & the company that stands behind it!!

Downloaded and used for a high school Nordic ski race. Stood at the 4k mark and tracked skiers as they skied by. Had all the parents "marveling" at how I knew the kids and their place...I didn't but the app did. So easy...wish I would have thought of it!

This is the best app for timing races and for getting splits. A must have for Nordic ski races. I've used it for both timing and for giving splits and it is awesome.

I use the app for timing race like 5k an its awesome, i hope for the native in ipad and edit timing option in web page Thanks Matt for excellent Job 👍