New disposable device offers convenience to participants of event now 75% full
INDIANAPOLIS (November 10, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today it will debut a new timing and scoring system by SAI -Timing & Scoring and ChronoTrack Timing Systems, Inc at the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K. The new system, which replaces ChampionChip, will utilize a light-weight disposable timing tag. The “D-tag” is a Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) and Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) that will record the runner’s official time, beginning when a participant crosses the start line and concluding as he or she crosses the finish line, as well as split times at the five and ten mile marks.
“We are always looking for ways to keep our participant satisfaction at optimum levels. We are very excited to offer this new timing system to our participants. The D-tag gives the runners and walkers of the 2009 Mini-Marathon an overall better experience,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO of the 500 Festival.” Participants will no longer have to wait in lines to have their timing chips removed at the finish of the race. This will be highly popular.”
The D-tag also offers runners a more streamlined race experience than the traditional chip system. D-tags are attached to participant bib and clearly marked with the corresponding bib number. Unlike traditional chips, the D-tag will not need to be scanned, making the Packet Pick-up process quicker and easier than ever before. On race day, runners simply secure the D-tag through their shoelaces and they are ready to run. After crossing the finish line, participants may keep the device or they are free to discard the device at their leisure. The 500 Festival will also utilize the ChronoTrack Timing System for the 500 Festival Training Series events.
“It is very exciting to be able to introduce the ChronoTrack Timing system to one of the best running events in the country. The Mini-Marathon has always looked to provide the best services to their participants,” said David Simms, Partner, SAI-Timing & Tracking. “I have been involved with the Mini on the peripherals for over 16 years and have seen how it has grown and developed. We at SAI are honored to have the opportunity to be part of this great event and look forward to being part of the team.”
Registration for the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival-Mini Marathon is still on record pace. Already, a record 26,629 people have registered making the May 2, 2009 event more than 75% full. Last year’s race sold out on November 30, 2007. The field will again be capped at 35,000.
Early registration is available now through November 30 for $50. Beginning December 1, the registration fee reverts to its regular rate of $70. Registration is available online at www.500festival.co. Registration is also available online for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5k for the early registration fee of $25 until November 30. The registration fee is $30 November 31 through March 31. Registration will close on the date the maximum field of 4,000 is reached.
The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 52 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation's premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.
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