Gun Time vs. Chip Time: Why Every Second Counts in a Marathon
Imagine training for months, logging long runs, and strutting proudly across the finish line, only to learn that your official time is several minutes behind your watch. This difference between what you ran and what's really official is what separates gun time from chip time. As race technology evolves, understanding this difference isn’t just for professionals. It’s for anyone who laces up for the start line. The Traditional Standard: Gun Time Gun time is the old-school, one-for-all approach. The moment the starter pistol fires; the clock begins ticking for everyone. Whether you’re in the front row or 500 runners deep, your official time starts at that instant. For elite athletes, gun time works perfectly. They’re right at the front, so the clock and their first step sync. But for amateur or recreational runners, it’s a different story. A delay of even three minutes before crossing the start line can make a massive difference in your re...