Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Options
Real-Time Champion-Chip - Rhein-Ruhr Marathon 2012
![[Deleted User]](https://w2.vanillicon.com/2a92aaa14e7d6402022c6ec1d2fe3539_100.png)
Hi,
I'm looking at taking part in the Rhein-Ruhr Marathon coming up in May and I noticed that part of the starter information requires you to have a timer chip (OK, so that's normal) but there is the option to either buy one or "rent" one. Here's an extract from the starter info:
Time measurement
The Rhein-Ruhr-Marathon uses the Real-Time Champion-Chip for time measurement. It can be bought for € 31 or rented. For renting you can make a deposit at the starting card distribution point. When returning the chip after the run on 20 May 2012 you will be given back € 25. If you keep the chip, it is bought and you can use it worldwide for runs
with time measurement by chip. It is not possible to participate without the chip. The chip is not transferable.
What I was wondering is, is there any point in buying the chip?
I can see the advantage of having your own in terms of kit worries and not having to mess with laces just before a race but is it really as universally usable as they suggest - i.e. if I turned up to a different race with it then would I be able to use it even if they were running a different system?
Is it common for people to buy their own timing chips? As of yet I've only done a few races and never been charged for the use of one that's given to me for the race - is it something I should be expecting to happen as I do more races?
I'm looking at taking part in the Rhein-Ruhr Marathon coming up in May and I noticed that part of the starter information requires you to have a timer chip (OK, so that's normal) but there is the option to either buy one or "rent" one. Here's an extract from the starter info:
Time measurement
The Rhein-Ruhr-Marathon uses the Real-Time Champion-Chip for time measurement. It can be bought for € 31 or rented. For renting you can make a deposit at the starting card distribution point. When returning the chip after the run on 20 May 2012 you will be given back € 25. If you keep the chip, it is bought and you can use it worldwide for runs
with time measurement by chip. It is not possible to participate without the chip. The chip is not transferable.
What I was wondering is, is there any point in buying the chip?
I can see the advantage of having your own in terms of kit worries and not having to mess with laces just before a race but is it really as universally usable as they suggest - i.e. if I turned up to a different race with it then would I be able to use it even if they were running a different system?
Is it common for people to buy their own timing chips? As of yet I've only done a few races and never been charged for the use of one that's given to me for the race - is it something I should be expecting to happen as I do more races?
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
Hi Oliver,
In Germany, it's pretty standard for you to have your own chip and this is used for all of your races. If you do more than 2-3 a year it makes a lot of sense to buy it instead of renting it. Most races (even the smaller ones) use the timing chip so it's really good value. I've had mine for 4 years and it's still working and doing great. The best thing for me is not having the additional hassle of trying to get it off at the end of the race and also being able to look up online (very easily) all of the races that i've done with the chip.
I've not been able to use my chip in Belgium/UK/France as they have the ones that you just need to give back at the end and you can't use "your" chip instead of the ones that they give you. It'd make more sense but not too many countries have their own "universal" system.
I'd ask: How many races are you planning to do in Germany/Austria/Switzerland? If it's more than 2-3 a year then buy it - otherwise just rent it.