I've just finished measuring a 5k/10k set of courses. The 5k starts first; the 10k 15 minutes later.

Both races cross a common finish line, but here's the kicker: the runners arrive from opposite directions.

Does this pose a problem for electronic timers?

Pete, if it is a small race and not timed by chips, it is probably not a big deal. The chutes will have to be moved. However, if a big race scored by chips, this would present a real problem. The person doing the timer will resist GREATLY moving those mats and testing them.

Alan

However, I believe Chip mats will read from either direction. Since it's a common finish, that part shouldn't be a problem.

But what happens when the two leaders in the 10K come sprinting toward the finish and smack into someone who walked the 5K? I know, there should be a 45 minute differential, but it might happen.

Pete,

With the AMB system & software, you could just set up two different races (one for 5k, one for 10k) and count only the passings at those timelines that are relevant for each race. They can share the finish line and give separate results, without ever moving the timing lines.

You could even create a 3rd race in the software that gives you results for both together. For example, if you have women coming from one direction (maybe with a headstart) and the guys from the other, and you wanted overall results at the finish.

No matter what system you are using, you set up TWO finish lines side by side, like you would set up two chutes. I do a multiple loop race, 5 mile loops. Two mat set ups, one for 5 mile splits, and one for finish. just much cleaner that way.

If you are using a system like chamion chip then you have to remember that timeing mats are placed AFTER the finish line. (This may not be a problem with some of the single wire systems)

If you want two races to use the same line, and you are using timeing mats, you should have both races finish the same direction.
OR
Have two finish lines set up side by side, one in each direction, but may need twice the number of mats and twice the timing system. Basicly it would be two races side by side.

I have two races that run similtainiously, that share finish lines and some of the same course. They are of diffrent distances and are run at the same time.

One is a 5 mile and 5K combo. The 5 mile goes first, then on a second start line about 100 foot away, and exactly 16 minutes later, the 5K starts. They share the same course for the first mile, so the 5K almost catches the back of the slow 5 milers before turning off. Then both races merge back together, at about 3.5 miles for the 5M race and 1.5 miles on the 5K race. All the runners come into the finish together. (About 1,500 of them). The computer sorts out the results. The key is that finish is common and in the same direction. (And that the pace at the point of merger is approximatly matched.)

Another race is a 15K where the 15K goes out first, then 30 minutes later a 5K goes out the same way. At two miles the races split and end finaly approching the park from operset drictions on the same road. (Head to head) They don't crash, but turn into the park and run side by side down a double wide road and finish on either side of the same finish line. Again using a common set of finish mats.

Races where the races merge and run together for the last section seem to be popular because you get to see and run with people who, in a normal race you would only see their bums disapearing into the distance. It can be inspring when a father, doing the 5 mile race, runs up and says hi to his daugher doing the 5K. We here a lot of good will in the last mile.