Guide
How Much Does Race Timing Cost? Hardware, Software and Hidden Event Expenses
· 6 min read
In short
- Race timing costs include hardware, software, competitor chips, staff time and backup timing—not just the price of the equipment.
- Costs increase with accuracy and automation: stopwatches are inexpensive but require staff time, while professional systems with decoders and timing mats cost thousands of euros.
- An external provider can be relatively expensive for small events, while owning equipment can be risky at larger events if you lack experience.
- The most common hidden costs are backup timing, transcribing results, incorrect data and organizers’ time.
The first question organizers ask is how much race timing costs. There is no single answer because the price depends on exactly what you need. It helps to divide the cost into five parts.
1. Hardware
A standard stopwatch or phone is the least expensive option. The next level is NFC and QR, which require a phone and either chips for NFC or printed codes for QR. Beyond that come UHF readers with antennas, followed by professional decoders with timing mats or finish-line cameras, which cost thousands of euros. More accurate hardware also requires more skilled operators. We explain how accuracy varies between technologies in Race timing accuracy: RFID, photocells or manual timing.
2. Software
The software handles registration, the start list, result calculation, categories and the public results page. Some systems charge a one-time fee, while others use subscriptions or per-event pricing. Ask whether the price includes split times, public results and data exports.
3. Chips and bib numbers
With RFID and NFC, you need to include the cost of a chip for every competitor. Disposable UHF chips are inexpensive, but the total adds up with a thousand competitors. An on-metal chip, such as one used on a motorcycle, is more expensive than a chip attached to a bib number.
4. Staff
Manual timing requires more people, while RFID needs fewer. Staff can be the most expensive item once you count the hours spent on preparation, operation and transcribing results. Volunteers are inexpensive, but they need a clear procedure.
5. Backup and risk
Backup timing costs money, but it can save your event if the primary system fails. You can find the procedure in Backup timing: why you need it. Unlike hardware costs, the cost of errors is difficult to quantify: dissatisfied competitors, complaints and lost trust.
External timing company or your own system?
An external timing company brings experience and equipment, but it charges separately for every event and must be booked in advance. This can be relatively expensive for small events. An in-house solution, however, requires the organizer to learn the procedures. The decision is discussed in External timing company or your own race timing system?.
How TAQIO pricing works
With TAQIO, you do not pay for hardware if a phone is sufficient for timing: the app is free for up to 5 participants per event, while events above that limit require a subscription. If you want automatic chip reading, we are preparing accessories—including NFC and RFID chips and a portable reader—for our upcoming online store. Current pricing is available on the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does timing cost for a small running race?
For a small event, you can start with a mobile app and no specialized hardware. TAQIO is free for up to 5 participants per event, while larger events require a subscription. You can find the current pricing on the homepage.
When is it worth buying your own race timing system?
It makes sense if you organize events repeatedly. The investment in chips, a reader and software pays back with each additional event, while an external company charges separately for every event.
Is RFID more expensive than manual timing?
The equipment is more expensive, but it saves labor: you do not need people to record passages or transcribe the results. RFID can be more cost-effective with hundreds of competitors, although you need to calculate the costs for the specific event.
How much does one RFID chip cost?
A passive, disposable UHF chip is among the least expensive parts of the system. Its price depends on order volume and type; for example, an on-metal chip is more expensive. TAQIO will announce chip prices when its online store launches.