Getting Started
The RaceTime application is designed to support the daily workflow of race organisers, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline event preparation and manual timing. It replicates the real-world tasks organisers perform—from setting up races and registering participants to managing race timing and sharing results. With a user-friendly interface and full support for manual timing, the application empowers organisers to maintain flexibility and control without relying on automated systems. This hands-on approach is ideal for small- to medium-sized events, making RaceTime a practical companion for the day-to-day demands of race management.
RaceTime primarily caters to race organisers and coaches, offering them an array of tools to efficiently manage and execute race events. However, athletes and fans can also benefit from the application's features. Athletes can track their performance, compare results, and use the data to enhance their training. Fans, on the other hand, can follow the race progress in real time and access results, enabling them to stay engaged and informed throughout the event. This multi-faceted approach ensures that RaceTime is a valuable resource for all stakeholders in the racing community.
System requirements
RaceTime has a mobile-first design, prioritising usability on smartphones and tablets. However, the application is also available on web browsers and desktop computers running macOS and Windows, offering flexibility for users who prefer desktop access.
The application requires the following minimum operating system versions:
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
iOS 14.0
macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
Windows 10
Modern versions of major browsers should be fine.
Installation
The application is designed to provide a consistent experience across all your devices, whether you’re using a mobile or desktop device or a web browser.
Mobile Devices Available on: Google Play Store | Apple App Store
Web App No download required: Launch Web app
Core concepts
To organise a race event using the RaceTime application, you should follow these essential steps. Begin by creating an event, selecting the appropriate type to suit the race format. Next, add categories to the event; at least one category is required to structure the participants effectively. Once categories are in place, proceed to register participants within these categories to ensure everyone is accounted for. Finally, manage the start and finish of participants it the timing mode screen, ensuring accurate timing and efficient event management. These steps streamline the process, allowing for a successful and organised race event.
Let's go over these steps in more detail.
Create an event
To create an event, click the "+" or "New event" button on the main screen of the RaceTime application. You will be prompted to enter very basic information, such as the race title, the planned date and time, and type of the start. For the type, select the option that best matches the format of the race you intend to organise. The options are:
Time trial. In a time trial, racers begin individually one by one, competing against the clock rather than directly against each other.
Mass start. In a mass start, all racers begin at the same time from a common start line, competing against each other throughout the race.
Group start. A group start is when athletes begin in smaller selected groups rather than all at once, with each group starting separately but competing within the same race.
Add category(s)
All participants in the race must be grouped into categories to ensure fair and organised competition. Categories can be based on various factors such as age, gender, or skill level, depending on the specifics of the race. Once the event is created, the next step is to set up these categories in the RaceTime application.
Register participants
To register participants, you have three options. Firstly, they can add participants manually, which is straightforward and effective for smaller events. Secondly, you can import participants from a CSV file; this method is ideal for handling larger numbers of participants efficiently or transfer registration data from another system. Lastly, for convenience and broader reach, please opt to create a registration page that allows participants to register online.
Timing service at race time
When it comes to the race, the you should use the Timing screen to oversee the starts and finishes. This screen is divided into three pages. The first page is the starting list, where you start the race for the athletes, ensuring everyone begins the competition promptly. The second page shows participants currently on the course and allows you record finish time for each participant as they complete the race. Finally, the third page provides a view of the results, compiling all timing data into a clear and organised format.
How you start participants from the start page depends on both your platform and the race type.
Time Trial
On a smartphone or tablet: swipe the participant’s entry to the side (e.g., to the right). It looks like you are moving a participant from the first page to the second.
On a desktop: use the Start button next to the participant.
Other race types
You’ll also use a Start button, but first you’ll need to select the category(-ies) or participants you want to start.
Please note that in case of Mass Start, all registered participants in the selected category(-ies) will started simultaneously.
Accurate time-stamping of athletes as they cross the finish line is critical in manual timing. Please, explore all available options and practice before your first race. Simulate a race to understand possible caveats. In real conditions, you will have very little time when a few participants are approaching finish line at hight speed. A little confidence won't hurt you.
The On Course page provides two display modes: Grid and List. The Grid view is designed for capacity, allowing a larger number of participants to be displayed simultaneously, which is particularly useful when registering high-traffic finishes. The List view, while showing fewer participants at once, offers more options. Users may select the mode that best fits the timing context, balancing visibility with operational control.
Particularly List view mode allows:
Finish participants (swipe to the right).
False start (swipe to the left).
Save a timestamp (button Save time). You can link this timestamp to a participant later.
Finish by linking the participant(s) with a timestamp (long click on the item, select one of more participant, select the timestamp).
Finish by entering time manually (long click on the item, select one or more participants, press button Enter time). This functionality is useful if you have an alternative source of time or need to amend a previously recorded result.
Mark a participant as DNF (toolbar button or menu).
All results are consolidated and formatted for display on the Results page, where they can also be downloaded as a PDF. For integration or analytical purposes, an API is available that enables results to be retrieved in CSV or JSON formats.
A context menu is available by long-clicking on a results line. From this menu, you may either disqualify a participant or roll back a result to the previous state. This feature is particularly useful if you detect an incorrect time entry and need to correct it: roll back the result, locate the participant on the On Course page, and enter the correct time manually. In addition, the Results page provides options to mark all non-started participants as DNS (Did Not Start) and all non-finished participants as DNF (Did Not Finish).
Conclusion
If you have experience in organising sports events, many of these steps will already feel familiar. Our goal is to provide you with a convenient tool that supports your workflow and helps you run events smoothly and without unnecessary stress.
This tutorial does not cover the use of RaceTime with checkpoints, multiple devices, or features related to sharing and registration. These materials will be added at a later stage. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at hello@racetime.app.
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