How does the parkrun timing system work?

[@Scaw]

I'm better informed about the timing system after this video. The role of the funnel is now apparent.

[@helenrees3002]

Absolutely marvellous. Great simple explanation, and fab to see all the WMN crew doing their bit. Thanks all! Especially Dolly - the perfect tail walker.

[@slodoco]

Wonderful explanation! Thank you! I was always wondering how that worked. I thought there was some sort of magic, but it's all based on order.

[@WithMeNow]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@PoetWithPace]

Simple and effective description. Having volunteered at a number of parkruns, it surprises me how many duck the funnel or refuse tokens

[@clowancelane8799]

Such a clear explanation. Everyone should watch for how, what and why!

[@riccodman8346]

As a frequent results processor, THANK YOU!

[@dualranger]

Fantastic explanation. Really well done.

[@gabrieleneher9489]

Super useful summary! Thank you

[@jackbillett1222]

How do the people take the times and manage to write them all down whilst people are flooding through ?

[@WithMeNow]

They don’t write them down Jack 😊

[@TuddyLegend]

Does it matter what order they scan them once you have your finish token?

[@WithMeNow]

It does/did use to. The new app used for all scanning only allows for the ‘athlete’ first then the position token now anyway.

[@JoshuaSmith2309]

Much easier to understand than when I had to learn from the parkrun wiki 😂

[@pennysimpson2777]

Nice work, Danny. 😊

[@beverlygow6757]

Pushed in again....😊

[@shredseeker8420]

I don't get it. If the start line timer is clicked only once, and it can take a good few minutes from the first and last runner to cross the start line, that means the last person crossing the start line will be penalised by a few minutes even before starting the race??? And if people are constantly changing running order, how do the time keepers know what thew start time of each person was and calculate the actual time run? This suggest you need to be right in front of the pack to get anything close to an accurate time? Makes no sense.

[@ElliottLine]

Great video, great explanations, and who is that handsome fellow at the top?

[@gypsymuffinABZ]

Great video Danny!

[@lucymarris693]

So shocked by Hannah!

[@J_bixby]

I have doubts about the timing system. The time is usually +3 or 4 seconds to the time on my watch.

[@SuperFuzzyDunlop]

Do you start your watch when you cross the start line, or when the parkrun itself starts? I would say you can use the time you measured on your own watch from when you cross the start line as the more genuine reflection of performance and for PBs etc, as this is essentially your 'chip time' (which is the standard to measure your performance in races that are timed electronically with chips and sensors). You just have to be honest about it. The time parkrun give you is the 'gun time' which is just from race start to when you cross the finish line. This counts for finishing position order (not that it matters cos parkrun technically isn't even a race), but you'll have an unearned advantage over everyone you cross the start line ahead of, and vice versa. Of course the parkrun timekeeper can't be 100% accurate when they start/stop the timer for each runner, but consistently 3-4 seconds added on each time seems way too much not to be explained by something else

[@helenpr5263]

well done NjcNjc a parkrun winner!

[@craigmiles8945]

Brilliant thank you

[@mjowsey]

Great video. How did it work yesterday with three funnels at Bushy?

[@WithMeNow]

They use a ferry style system - fill a funnel and open the next etc

[@mjowsey]

@@WithMeNow thank you🙏 that's such a fast response for an old video. It was my first time at parkrun with any kind of funnel it took me almost 20 minutes to get my token after crossing the line.

[@WinningInters]

Thanks for this video. I’m still unclear on the start though. Is there a time delta for those tat are last to start, or is everyone starting at the exact same time? If so this feels a little unfair ??

[@EdwinChenLoo]

Yes, it is unfair. If you care that much, start in front and get into fist fights in the funnel in case of a tie.

[@AllardsLovechild]

💛

[@andigorani]

Mr Sins 😂 😂 😂

[@Dilley_G45]

Funnelduckers are horrible as are token snatchers. Or those guys who hold up the finish line

[@barriniho]

Dolly should be number 1