| Author | Message | ||
     Mike Watts Member Username: Mikew Post Number: 139 Registered: 01-2007 |
I think actually distance and speed measuring devices are now allowed, or at least they used to be specifically banned but that rule was dropped. | ||
| Vic Kusin Moderator Username: Vic Post Number: 50 Registered: 03-2007 |
Hi Diane, You definitely are allowed it - in fact it's a must ! Normally, most competitors will carry at least 2 stop watches and start them simultaneously when they set off on the start of section A or E. The second watch is a backup, in case the first one should be stopped accidentally - it can happen quite easily on a bumpy marathon. Make sure your watches are clean and have fresh batteries. Some competitors will wear and operate the watch themselves, others leave it to the backstepper to do the timing. The watch can be attached to the carriage or worn on the wrist or around the neck. Most people will prepare a card with the times they are expected to be at each kilometre, and the backstepper will advise whether they are under or over that time and whether they need to speed up or slow down. This ensures that you arrive at the finish in the middle of your time allowed window. In addition to stopwathes, you should also have a watch that shows the time of day. This should be preferably a digital watch (more accurate and easier to read on the move), which should be synchronised with the official event time. This will ensure you get to the start of each section at the correct time, and can also be used to do your timing in an emergency, if you're unfortunate enough to lose both your stopwatches. What you are not allowed to have is a distance measuring device, like a cycle computer or GPS device. You may carry a mobile telephone, but only use it in an emergency. If your use of a phone can be seen as "outside assistance" you will be penalised. | ||
| diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 59 Registered: 10-2012 |
Are you allowed to wear a stopwatch when competing? Getting ready for Normanhurst, we are just doing section E of the marathon, so will I need one? |