I take pride in the job I do at the finish line, as do my fellow timers. We want to get the job done correctly, but we are often hindered by those who demand our perfection- the runners themselves. I have come to the conclusion that many runners do not understand their role in making the results "happen." Perhaps an explanation of how the timing process works might be in order.

Here is where the individual runners can make or break the timer. As the runner approaches the finish line, the timer is trying to first read and record the bib number of each approaching finisher, and then press the button to record the finisher's time. (This all must happen in a matter of split seconds.) In order for that to happen, the number must be clearly visible to the timer. Runners who wear the number on their side, on their back, under their jacket, or the myriad of other locations they seem to find are causing the timer great stress, and perhaps costing themselves accurate results.

It is impossible to add the number to the Time Machine after the runner crosses the finish line, or to revise those results as the race is ongoing. If you are approaching the finish line, and your number is not visible, as a last resort attempt to call the bib number to the timer before you get to the finish line. But if you are finishing with a group of runners, you have probably already foiled the timer's efforts.

Equally upsetting to the timer is the runner who has already finished the race, then returns to the course and approaches the chute with another finisher. That runner usually assumes that the timer realizes he/she has already finished, and therefore, should not be recorded on the Time Machine again. That is usually not the case! The closer a runner gets to the finish line, the more intent the timer is on recording that race number and finish time. If you are out there helping a friend to finish, don't come close to the finish line with them, but step off the course to allow the timer to accurately record your friend's finish.

Finally, the race is over at the finish line. Some runners stop just prior to the line, causing hesitation and delay by the timer. This can also cause trouble for the runners who follow. Still other runners start their finishing kick three steps prior to the finish line, and then barrel through the finish chute, knocking over other runners and possibly injuring themselves and others. It is imperative that once a runner crosses the line and enters the chute he/she must maintain that finish order until the tear-off is collected at the exit of the chute. (These tear-offs are later matched to the timing tape to produce the results we all come to expect.) And under no circumstances should you leave the chute prior to the tear-off being collected.

Now before you are offended by any of my observations, I realize that sometimes in the excitement of finishing a race some mistakes are made by both finishers and timers. But we can keep such incidents to a minimum. Understanding the duties of the timer and other race officials will help to avoid temper conflicts and will facilitate the race providing you with results that are both accurate and timely.