Yes, expensive, impractical...
A friend of mine is in the timing business, and does all he can to time only running races while avoiding triathlons. Why? Because in a running race, especially if it starts and finishes in the same place, and you don't need turn-around mats, you only need one timing mat and you can fit thousands of people on the course. Triathlons have multiple points that need mats and you can fit a lot less people on the course. Bad economics.
ETA: It also takes a lot longer to compile the results if all your timing mats are not centrally located, and athletes like to have results quickly.
A friend of mine is in the timing business, and does all he can to time only running races while avoiding triathlons. Why? Because in a running race, especially if it starts and finishes in the same place, and you don't need turn-around mats, you only need one timing mat and you can fit thousands of people on the course. Triathlons have multiple points that need mats and you can fit a lot less people on the course. Bad economics.
ETA: It also takes a lot longer to compile the results if all your timing mats are not centrally located, and athletes like to have results quickly.
Last edited by:
Kay Serrar: Sep 1, 15 12:23