Race director resources

Race Director Resources for
Planning and Timing Your Race

These race director resources from Florida Race Day cover three planning topics: what to plan and when, how chip timing works, and how to put on a first 5K. Each section stands on its own, so jump to the one you need. When your date and location are set, request a timing quote and we’ll help with the rest.

Our Race Director Resources

All of our resources for directing races in one place.

Race Planning Checklist

A step-by-step overview of what to plan and when, from picking a date and opening registration to race morning and the wrap-up.

Chip Timing

How bib chips and Race Result timing technology record each participant's time, plus the difference between chip time and gun time.

Planning a 5k

Eight steps for putting on your first 5K, from setting a goal and budget to sharing results after the race.

Race Director FAQs

Quick answers on first-year races, registration, quotes, course setup and race-day support.

Our Checklist

Race planning checklist

Florida Race Day offers a free race director checklist. Here’s an overview of what it takes to set up and run a race. Timing and lead times vary by event.

1.

Early Planning

2.

Registration & Promotion

3.

Course & Logistics

4.

Race Week & Race Day

5.

After the Race

Chip Timing

How does chip timing work?

Chip timing records each participant’s time automatically with a timing chip on their race bib. Here’s how it works at a Florida Race Day event:

1.

Every participant gets a bib with a chip.

Florida Race Day uses disposable bib chips.

2.

Timing equipment reads each chip.

As participants cross a timing point, such as the start line or finish line, the equipment records the chip and the exact time. Florida Race Day uses state-of-the-art timing technology from Race Result, paired with its own race software.

3.

The software matches times to participants.

Each chip is linked to a participant’s registration record, so times are matched to names, ages and divisions.

4.

Results go live.

Results post online during the race. At many events, finishers also get a text with their time and placement.

Florida Race Day chip times with redundant systems, so one equipment problem doesn’t decide your results. For smaller events, we can use manual timing instead to keep the race on budget.

Chip Time and Gun Time

Chip timing can record two times for each participant. Gun time runs from the official start signal to when a participant crosses the finish. Chip time runs from when the participant crosses the start line to the finish, so it doesn't count the time spent waiting to reach the start. We'll talk through which time to use for awards when you request a timing quote.

Tips to Share with Participants

Wear your bib on the front of your body, where it can be seen. Don't fold, bend or cover the bib, because that can block the chip.

Planning your first 5k

How do you plan your first 5K?

1.

Set your goal and budget

2.

Choose a date, venue and course

3.

Book timing and registration

4.

Plan shirts, medals and awards

5.

Recruit volunteers

6.

Run race morning

7.

Wrap up after the race

FAQs

Race Director FAQs

Do you work with first-year races?

Yes. We love new races. 

Yes. We can build your online registration website and can help with your day-of registration.

Results post live during the race, so you can start your awards ceremony early.

Your race name, location, proposed date and how many participants you expect. Add any details about distances or extra services in the comments, and we’ll get back to you with a price.

Yes. We can help set up your course and provide race directional signs, mile marker signs and mile marker clocks.

Yes. Bibs and safety pins are included. We can also print custom bibs with your race or sponsor logos.

Yes. We bring a PA system and microphone, call out finishers’ names as they cross the line and announce award winners.