Blog
Tips, updates, and stories from the RaceApp community.
How to Time a Cross Country Meet
Hosting a small cross country meet? Skip the chip timing and the pro timing company. An iPad, a stack of QR bib labels, two chute volunteers, and about twenty minutes of setup — here's the whole workflow, from roster import to live results.
New Feature: Mark Race Results While Distance Races Are Still Running
We shipped a small change to the FAT iPad app: the laptop can review and mark a race while the iPad is still recording. For the 100m it's nothing. For the 1600, cross country, or a road race, it changes how the whole finish line flows.
How I Timed a 500-Kid Meet With Two iPads and a Laptop
Two iPads filming, a laptop reviewing, paper bibs you can read off the frame. The full RaceApp rig that ran a 500-kid middle school meet without a pro timing crew.
New Extension: Get Your Event Planner Entries onto MileSplit Without the Tab-Switching
Free browser extension that puts your RaceApp event planner entries right on MileSplit's registration page. See who to check off without flipping between tabs.
Back to Basics: Your RaceApp Setup at Every Level
You don't need a full timing kit to get started. Here's how to build your RaceApp setup from just a phone all the way to a full production meet, for both track and cross country.
Laser Long Jump Measurement for Under $500 — With Live Results
JumpRail is a $299 laser measurement kit for long jump and triple jump. One person, no tape measure, and results sync live to your meet page in seconds.
How to Run a Track Meet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Coaches
You've been asked to host a track meet. Here's the full process -- roster to results -- from a coach who's been running 150-kid meets in under 2 hours.
New Free Tool: Get Splits on Every Runner at Away Meets
A free multi-person split timer that runs in your phone's browser. Time up to 12 runners at once, get individual splits for each, and share results instantly. No login required.
SprintTimer vs RaceApp: Which One Should You Use?
SprintTimer is a great timing app. But timing a race is only one piece of running a meet. Here's an honest comparison of both options.
I Built an Event Planner Because I Was Tired of Paper Grids and Retyping Entries
Every week for years I'd print a roster, fill it in at practice, then spend an hour juggling entry limits before retyping it all. I finally built something better.
My Complete Track Meet Kit: Everything I Bring on Race Day
After almost four years of hosting meets, here's every single thing I load into the car on race day.
Do I Need a Timing Company for My Track Meet?
If you're hosting a league championship or a 20-team invitational, yes. Hire a timing company. For everything else, keep reading.
DIY FAT Timing Setup: My Race Day Gear for Under $300
Professional FAT systems cost $5,000-$15,000+. Here's the complete setup I use with RaceApp to run FAT timing at our meets - total cost under $300 (assuming you already have an iPad).
Portable Wireless PA System for Track Meets (Under $150)
Build a wireless PA system for under $150 using portable speakers and walkie talkies. No cables to run, easy setup, loud enough for small meets.
DIY Battery-Powered Air Horn Starter for Track & Cross Country (~$55)
Build a rechargeable air horn starter for under $60. Perfect for cross country and track meets where starter pistols aren't practical.
DIY Printing Timer: A $30 Alternative to the $300 Seiko
You don't need a $300 Seiko stopwatch to get a printing timer. Here's how to build one for under $50 using RaceApp, a USB number pad, and an optional portable printer.
Hardware Mod: How to Desensitize Your Mic for Reliable FAT Timing
One of the biggest challenges with sound-activated timing is "noise." Budget wireless microphones are designed to pick up human voices, which means they are incredibly sensitive. At a track or swim meet, this leads to false triggers from wind, cheering, or a starter’s whistle....