Gun Time / Chip Time Defined

At many races we are asked to produce two times. The first is what is called the Gun Time. It's the official race time and is the time that the runner takes to complete the course from the time the gun was fired. Of course if you take say thirty seconds to cross the line this additional time is part of your race time.

We can also produce a Chip Time (or Chip to Chip Time as it’s sometimes referred to). This is the time that the runner actually takes from the time they crossed the start line (even if they took thirty seconds to do so from went the gun was fired) to the time they crossed the finish line. However, this time has no relevance to the results whatsoever and is used for information purposes only.

As far as the rules of athletics are concerned the Gun Time is the important time, and this is what the results and prizes are based on, otherwise the race becomes a time trail where the winner need not be the first person to cross the finish line.

At some events it is not possible to produce Chip Times because of the constraints of the course. For example, the race may start on a road where there is no legal road closure and so setting up the timing equipment is impossible. However, we always have timing equipment at the finish which enabled us to produce Gun Time results and prize lists quickly and efficiently.

RACE WINNERS...

1ST MAN 2009

2009 Toby Lambert, Winchester and District AC           1:08:11                      
2008 Toby Lambert, Alton Runners                                  1:07:21
2007 Toby Lambert, Winchester and District AC           1:08:03
2006 Toby Lambert Alton Runners                                   1:08:03
2005 Toby Lambert Alton Runners                                   1:08:29
2004 Toby Lambert, Alton Runners                                  1:08:48
2003 Michel Vamben, Mauritius AAA,                             1:11:37
2002 Ronnie James, Cornwall Athletic Club,                  1:10:28
2001 Erick Kiplagat, Mizuno Racing Club,                      1:07:47


1st LADY

2009 Jo Meek, Tvistoke Athletic Club                               1:21:56
2008 Banuelia Katesigwa, Tanzania                                 1:20:34
2007 Wendy Jones,  Cirencester Athletic Club                1:18:33
2006 Wendy Jones,  Cirencester Athletic Club                1:18:22
2005 Alison Outram, Thames Hare & Hounds                 1:22:45
2004 Yvonne Scarrott,  Werrington Joggers                    1:34:30
2003 Jennie Kingdon, Plymouth Harriers                         1:33:38
2002 Vicky Pincombe, Bideford AC                                 1:20:53
2001 Vicky Pincombe, Bideford AC                                 1:20:43