Update on the chip timing for the Mallow 10 next Sunday...

For those of you who are doing the Mallow 10 race next Sunday, please note that they will be using chip timing as before except that this year, there will be a timing mat at the start line. The obvious implication of this is that everyone will have to cross over the mat so the start area is about half the width of previous years when runners were spread across the whole road. The benefit is that your time doesn't start until you cross the line so not being near the front isn't an issue.


Starting Corral Guidelines from Mallow AC...
2009 to 2013...From 2009 to 2013 Mallow AC have operated the start line using chip timing but the times have always been based on gun time. Basically your time started once the race started. As the race has got bigger this means that people lose seconds waiting to pass the start line.

Changes in 2014...Based on feedback after last year’s race we have decided to go with chip timing based on when you pass the start line this year. The benefits of this is that you will see exactly how long it took you to cover the 10 miles from when you pass the start line.

Precision Timing...We have teamed up with Precision Timing this year to help us provide this service. At the start line there will be a 5-meter wide gantry. Every runner will need to pass under this and only from there will your timing start.

Starting corral...When you arrive to the race start you will see the starting corral. The corral will be quite long so please find your appropriate area in the corral. There will be a team of stewards at the start area that will me more then happy to help you find your corral position. There will also be signs along the corral with estimated finish time. Remember your pacers will also be in the starting corral. Look out for the balloons. This should give you an indication of where you should position yourself.

Smart Start...It is for the benefit of everybody if you follow the times indicated. It gets very busy once the clock starts and it can have an effect on everybody’s times if you are in the wrong zone. If you are targeting a Sub 85 run then it could hinder you if you are up at the sub 65 section. Nobody likes to start a race with people running up their back. If you locate yourself in the 85-minute section then you are running with like-minded people who will all help you achieve your goal.

After you pass the Gantry...Remember your chip doesn’t start until you pass under the gantry. The race clock has started from the Gun but not your personal time. The road widens out immediately once you pass the gantry. Your will be able to find your space once you clear the gantry.
You won’t lose time so remain calm while waiting to pass.