Cebu City Marathon to use timing chip technology, makes local racing history

For more than a month now, the Marathon Foodie has been training and training at 4AM and sometimes during lunch break for the CCM and not a word about it on this blog But when John Pages of Cebu Executive Runners Club broke the news that the organizers found enough logistics for a ChampionChip device on marathon day, the Marathon Foodie couldn't help but be raised from blogosphere Hades.

This is a first in Cebu's road racing history.

What is a ChampionChip?

The ChampionChip is a high-tech, identification device used to time athletes in a race. The technology consists of a miniature transponder in a specially designed housing, marked with a unique identification number. The transponder is a waterproof glass capsule that contains a silicon chip and an energizing coil. The ChampionChip can be used under all weather conditions, wet and dry, cold and hot.

How does the ChampionChip work?

There are no batteries in the ChampionChip. The transponder is inactive until moved into a magnetic field, generated by a send antenna in a mat. When the ChampionChip enters the magnetic field, the energizing coil produces an electric current to power the chip. The transponder then transmits its unique identification number to a receive antenna in a mat. The entire process takes approximately 60 milliseconds.

Benefits?
1. Provides organizers with fast, accurate and the highest quality results, both in hard copy and electronically.

2. Prevents dishonest participants from making “short-cuts.”

3. Post results on the web within 24 hours of the event.

4. Helps manage the finish line… making the finish free-flowing.

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Registration areas (registration will start on Friday, Nov. 27):

Active Zone, Ayala Center Cebu

Cebu City Sports Center (PSC office)

Deadline: December 31, 2009

Registration fees:

5K: P250
21K: P450
42K: P650

Only the 21K and 42K participants will have the ChampionChip.

The 42K participants will receive, upon finishing, a Finisher’s Medal. All participants will receive singlets and race packs.

For more inquiries, call Marlyn at 2328518/19. Official website: www.cebumarathon.com