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Boilermaker Concludes Investigation on Chip Timing Issue

 

August 18, 2008 - After a month-long investigation, Boilermaker officials have determined the cause of the timing issue during this year's 15K Road Race which left runners with inaccurate net times.

 

"As a runner, I know that all races revolve around one's personal time," says Tim Reed, executive director. "We are all very disappointed at what happened at this year's race."

 

After a cycle synchronization process, timing chips are charged and a code is sent to calculate times as runners cross the mats. If cycles are not in sync, the signal will be knocked out and will not record accurate times. "After several weeks of investigation, we discovered that between the time the system was checked at 7:15 a.m. and the start of the race, there was a technological failure resulting from a synchronization error in the equipment that we could not have predicted and did not detect at the start of the race," says Pat Leone, finish line and computer scoring expert. "Unfortunately, it would have been very difficult to notice any problems since there would be no external signs that the system was not working efficiently."

 

"Once again, we are extremely sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused runners and the Boilermaker assumes full responsibility for what occurred," says Jim Stasaitis, race director.

 

To help determine the cause, the Boilermaker examined the start line, even exploring any underground technology. Next, the Boilermaker visited with its media partners' to examine their technology. Video footage was studied and the problem was discussed with eyewitnesses at the start line and also experts in the field. Finally, the start line set-up was reproduced in order to come to this conclusion.

 

The Boilermaker is taking measures to see that a similar problem will not occur in the future. "In addition to the presence of our technological advisor to the start line, who currently monitors safety, logistics and technological issues, we will be adding a person whose sole responsibility is to monitor the start line timing system," Reed says. Secondly, a technological free-zone will be instituted at the start line. This safe-zone will be near the timing mats and will prevent any forms of technology from entering as a way of avoiding malfunction between different forms of telecommunication systems or between various frequencies. Furthermore, a digital clock will be constructed at the start of the race, similar to the one at the finish, which will allow runners to visually notice when they cross the start line.

 

"While we do not currently anticipate any new technology that will affect timing, we believe these precautions will greatly reduce the risk of future technology glitches or timing issues," Reed concludes. "We invite all participants back for next year's race and look forward to a flawless 2009 event."

 

 

The Boilermaker Road Race is the premier event of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame’s annual Hall of Fame Weekend. The race consistently attracts elite runners from all over the world, including Olympians and world record holders, and features distance running’s most enthusiastic fans, as well as the sport’s best post-race party hosted at The F.X. Matt Brewing Company.