Guide
Timing mats: how they work, how many you need and why they use multiple strips
· 6 min read
In short
- A timing mat is a rubber strip with built-in antennas placed across the course. Every chip crossing it is recorded automatically, without the competitor having to do anything.
- Some manufacturers, including MYLAPS for its BibTag system, claim a read rate above 99.8% when the equipment is installed correctly. Multiple strips can be joined to create a wider timing point, although the exact maximum width depends on the decoder model.
- Multiple strips placed one after another, sometimes called multiple or backup timing lines, are used for extremely busy finishes. Reading the same chip several times over a short section helps identify the actual crossing time more accurately.
- Built-in cabling allows a mat to be assembled in a few minutes, reducing the amount of time a road must remain closed.
When hundreds of runners cross the finish line within a few seconds, no person could record them all in time. The solution is a mat: a strip on the ground that every competitor crosses while the system records everything automatically.
What is inside a timing mat
A timing mat is a non-slip rubber strip containing built-in antennas and cables. It connects to a decoder, which transmits a signal and receives responses from the chips crossing the mat. How an RFID chip works in running races explains exactly how the chip communicates with the antenna.
Width and number of strips
Some decoders can connect multiple strips into a single timing point up to 8 metres wide, although the precise limit depends on the specific model. This allows the system to cover the entire width of a road at a mass finish. One or two strips are sufficient on narrower courses.
Why several strips are placed in succession
At an extremely crowded finish, mats are often positioned close together in succession, sometimes called slowdown or multiple mats. When a chip crosses several strips within a short interval, the system receives multiple readings of the same passage. This increases the likelihood of detection and provides a backup if one strip fails to read the chip.
Fast installation
Modern timing mats have built-in cabling, so they can be laid out on the course in just a few minutes. This is particularly important at road races, where roads need to be closed to traffic for as little time as possible.
When less equipment is enough
A mat is not the only option. For small and medium-sized events, a portable RFID reader with an antenna—or even a tap in an app—may be sufficient. Learn more in RFID, NFC, QR or manual timing. Timing mats are most worthwhile at major city races with thousands of entrants.
Timing mats and TAQIO
TAQIO is designed for small and medium-sized events where a portable RFID reader is sufficient, rather than a professional timing mat with multiple strips. If you are ever organising an event where thousands of competitors reach the finish together, contact us and we will advise you on the right solution.
Frequently asked questions
How does a timing mat work?
It is a non-slip rubber strip with built-in antennas, placed across the course. When a competitor wearing an RFID chip crosses it, the antenna detects the chip and records the time without requiring the athlete to stop or slow down.
How many timing mats does one event need?
It depends on the width of the course and the density of finishers. Some decoders support multiple connected strips at one timing point, allowing them to cover the full width of the road. The precise width limit depends on the specific model.
How accurate is a timing mat?
Some manufacturers claim a read rate above 99.8% when their equipment is installed correctly. That figure describes the success rate for DETECTING a chip, however, not timing accuracy; these are two different things. The accuracy of the recorded time itself depends on where the chip is worn and how crowded the finish is.
Why do some timing systems have several mat strips in succession?
At an extremely crowded finish, one strip may not detect every passing chip reliably. Several strips placed one after another allow the same chip to be read multiple times, enabling the software to estimate the actual crossing time more accurately.