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Software . RaceAid: A Free Software Program For Timing & Scoring Athletic Events . Each year, Idaho State University holds a race which involves running and biking. I put together this program to make it easier to compile scores and provide results at the end of the race. Over time I expanded it so that it works with a variety of racing events. This is a free program for clubs, organizations and non-profit groups. I've included summary information below, but the primary source of information on RaceAid is found at RonWatters.com which is a separate and independent website that I maintain. Here's the link: RaceAid Primary Webpage
General.Information on RACEAID RACEAID.is a program that I developed a number of years ago. After completing the program, I got very busy with my work at the university and really never had much of a chance of getting the word out. But those folks who heard about it, and managed to get a copy of the program, were quite happy with it. RACEAID is a freeware program. It's available to individuals, schools, clubs and other organizations at no cost. If you voluntarily want to send a small registration fee for the software, I won't turn it away, but it's otherwise completely free. The only thing I ask is that you drop me line if you end up using it. It's just nice to know when someone has found it useful. The program helps race officials compile and quickly print the results of their events. It is designed to support many different types of racing events including the following:
The program works in all versions of Windows (3.0/3.1 and 95/98) and DOS. But RACEAID is DOS-based. That means you won't be able to use a mouse with it, but most folks don't find the lack of mouse support much of problem. When you use RACEAID, you'll be using it primarily for data entry, and whenever you need to do a lot of data entry, the keyboard is, by far, the quickest and most efficient way to do it. It has a simple approach. You begin by telling RACEAID what type of race it is: How long is the event? Is it made up of teams? Does the race have a normal or interval start? Do you wish to have split times calculated? What categories are in your race, i.e. men, women, juniors, etc. RACEAID then creates a form (or a spreadsheet) which appears on the computer screen. It's just a matter of filling out the blanks on the form (or columns in the spreadsheet). You can fill out names, bib numbers, etc. before the race begins, or do it while the race is in progress. When you start entering times, a special feature allows you to enter the bib number and the time, and the program takes care of matching the bib number with the appropriate racer. Among
its functions, it will separate and place individuals into respective categories,
score teams and individual team members, figure elapsed time in interval
start events, calculate split and pacing times. The program will
provide print-outs of the race results, including over-all placing, team
placing (if it's a team event), category results, or event placings (if
it's a multi-event race). It includes an export feature which allows
you to move the results into other programs. A well written and illustrated manual is available: Manual RaceAid Sample Screen Displays. ================================================
To
go to the Download Area, Click Here --->List
of Download Sites
Information on zip files / How to install the program: RACEAID comes bundled in a ZIP file. To unzip it, use one of the zip programs available on the web. (One that works well and is highly regarded in the computer world is WinZip. You can download a free trial version from their site). Once you have downloaded the Raceaid.zip file, create a new directory on your computer. Use "RACEAID" as the directory name unless you have another name you want to use. Now un-zip the zip file to the RACEAID directory. This will place all of RACEAID program files together in one directory which is where you want them. If you are using DOS as an operating system, first change to the RACEAID directory, and at the prompt, type-in "RACEAID" and press Enter on your keyboard. The program will start. If
you are using Windows as an operating system, click on "Start" and "Run."
Then click on the "Browse" button. Locate the RACEAID directory,
and select the "Raceaid.exe" file and click "Open". Finally, select
"OK" and the program will start. ================================================
We
ran our triathlon for kids today. It was our first triathlon and we
had 78 kids, 22 of whom registered today. RaceAid was easy to use
and
gave us results within 1/2 hour of the last finisher. We had interval
starts and chose to adjust the start time for each heat instead of
having multiple timers getting actual start times for each one.
RaceAid made it feasible for us to have volunteers do the timing and
saved us a minimum of $500 to hire a timing service. And we really
looked professional with our computer set up and having printed
results. It added credibility to our results. Thank you for making the program available.
================================================
The
help messages within the program,
however, are quite brief, and I'd really recommend the RaceAid
Manual. It's a comprehensive 120-page manual with lots of
illustrations. You'll find it very helpful. I'm afraid I
can't
give the manuals away free since I had to pay to have them
printed.
For more information on how to order the manual, see: RaceAid Primary Webpage.
Hardware:
Favorite Racing Links (Running, Triathlon, etc.) Runners.Web. A running and triathlon site chock full of useful information including forums, columns, calendars, interviews, club listings, and links. Run-Down. Running.and training information, including an extensive database of more than 6,000 running links. _____________________________________________________________________ |