Chip Time

Your official time measured from when YOU cross the start mat, not the gun. What matters for PRs.

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Understanding Chip Time

Chip time (also called net time) is your official race time measured from the moment you cross the starting mat to when you cross the finish mat. It uses an RFID chip attached to your bib or shoe to record your individual start and finish, regardless of when the starting gun fired.

This differs from "gun time" (gross time), which measures from the starting gun to your finish. In a large race where your corral crosses the start line 8 minutes after the gun, your gun time would be 8 minutes longer than your chip time. For personal records and most qualifying standards, chip time is what counts.

Timing mats are also placed at intermediate points (typically every 5K) to record split times, detect course-cutting, and provide live tracking for spectators. If you miss a timing mat (by running wide of it), your splits won't register and your result may be flagged for review.

Key Facts: Chip Time

Key facts and insights about chip time that every endurance athlete should know.

Chip time = your individual time from st

Chip time = your individual time from start mat to finish mat

Gun time = race clock time from starting

Gun time = race clock time from starting horn to your finish

Boston Marathon qualifying

Boston Marathon qualifying: chip time is used for qualification

RFID chips are in your bib

RFID chips are in your bib (disposable) or on a reusable ankle strap

Pro Tips: Chip Time

Run over timing mats directly — don't cut wide around them or you'll miss a split

Your chip time is your true race time — ignore the race clock if you started late from your corral

Make sure your bib is visible on the front of your body where timing sensors can read it

Check results online after the race to confirm all your splits registered correctly

Frequently Asked Questions About Chip Time

Almost all qualifying standards (Boston Marathon, NYC Marathon, etc.) use chip time. This is fair because it eliminates the random corral-start delay from your result. Always check the specific race's qualifying requirements.

If you cross the finish and don't see your name in results, contact the race timing company. Common causes: bib was folded or covered (blocking the chip), you didn't cross the start or finish mat, or a technical glitch. Race photos and GPS data can help verify your finish.