Eighth Annual Study Tracks Pricing, Staffing, Technology and the Trends Shaping Race Timing
Moorestown, NJ — October 13, 2026 — RunSignup, the employee-owned platform that powers registration for more than half of U.S. endurance events, today launched its 2026 Timer Industry Research Survey. Now in its eighth year, the annual survey is the industry’s singular research effort focused on the business of race timing.
The study gives timers a clear, data-backed picture of their industry: how timing companies price their services, staff their events, adopt new technology and respond to a changing market. All timers are encouraged to take part, whether they use RunSignup or other platforms.
The 2026 survey covers:
- Pricing models, minimum fees and how timers serve smaller events
- Business operations, event volume and services beyond timing
- Staffing, training and creative approaches to staffing challenges
- Timing hardware, scoring software and backup solutions
- Participant tracking, including GPS, predictive pace and photo-based timing
- Challenges, opportunities and the tools timers say they need next
- Feedback on RunSignup’s RaceDay Real-Time technology
“Timers are often running their businesses on their own, without connecting with other timers or understanding the similarities and differences between operations,” said Bob Bickel, Founder and CEO of RunSignup. “This survey provides information timers can apply to their own business. When timers share how they price, staff and equip their events, every timer gets a benchmark, and we get a better understanding of where the industry is headed and how we can help.”
The survey takes about 10–15 minutes, and all responses are confidential. Responses will be collected through November 13, 2026.
Aggregated findings will be shared publicly so timers and event organizers can benchmark their practices, spot trends and find new opportunities for growth. Highlights will appear in RunSignup’s annual Race Trends Report, and detailed results will be presented at the 2027 Timer Education Summit, February 23–24 at USF Health CAMLS in Tampa, Florida.
Timers can take the survey here.
About RunSignup
RunSignup, an employee-owned company, is the leading event solution delivering the art of technology to endurance events and nonprofits. More than 39,000 events use our free and open platform to register over 12 million annual participants, raise more than $3 billion and grow their events. Our expertly crafted, open and all-in-one solution powers event revenue generation and supporter engagement through flexible registration, free event websites, free email marketing, integrated fundraising, and a suite of RaceDay Real-Time products. RunSignup’s aggressive investment in AI technology ensures customers benefit from continuous innovation and industry-leading features at fair prices. No subscriptions, no plans, no monthly fees.
To find out why customers like the Richmond Marathon, American Cancer Society, and RaceDay Events use RunSignup, visit www.runsignup.com