Creating a Classical Race
Creating races in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM) is a key step in configuring an event. A race defines the checkpoints, rules, and timing policies used to calculate results and track participants.
Race Types
RRM currently supports two race formats:
CLASSICAL
Traditional race format with an optional START checkpoint and a required FINISH checkpoint. Intermediate checkpoints can be added along the course.
LAPS
Lap-based races such as circuits or multi-loop formats.
This article focuses on creating a CLASSICAL race.
Accessing the New CLASSICAL Race Dialog
To create a new race:
Open the Races section from the left navigation bar.
Click Add races.
Select CLASSICAL.
The Add Race dialog will open, where you can configure the race structure and timing policies.
Filling Out Race Details
In the New Race modal, complete the following fields:
Race name → Enter a descriptive name (e.g., 5K Run, Mountain Bike Challenge).
Sport → Select the sport type (e.g., RUN, BIKE, TRIATHLON, TRAIL_RUN, OBSTACLE_COURSE, etc.). This helps with classification and participant management.
Assigning Checkpoints
A race is built from checkpoints, which represent timing points along the course.
To add checkpoints:
Select a checkpoint from the list.
Choose its type.
Click Add to Race.
Checkpoint types include:
START
The race start checkpoint.
INTERMEDIATE
A checkpoint placed between start and finish.
FINISH
The race finish checkpoint.
Lap IDs
Each checkpoint receives an automatic Lap ID.
Start
0
Intermediate
Sequential values
Finish
9999
Rules
Each race must contain at least one FINISH checkpoint.
A race can only contain one START checkpoint.
Intermediate checkpoints can be added freely.
Start Policies
Start policies define how the system behaves when start passings are missing or ambiguous.
Auto-create lap 0
If no valid start passing is detected, the system automatically generates a synthetic start passing at:
This is useful when participants stand on the start mat before the gun and the system does not record a clean start passing.
Allow finish without start
If enabled, participants who cross the Finish checkpoint without a recorded Start will still receive a valid finish time.
If disabled, finish passings without a valid start will be ignored.
Auto-select last start time
When multiple start passings are detected for a participant, this policy determines which start time will be used.
If enabled:
The system will use the last detected start passing as the official start.
This helps handle situations where participants cross the start mat multiple times before leaving the start area.
Auto-Generate Race Segments
RRM can automatically generate all possible timing segments for the race based on the configured checkpoints.
When this option is enabled, RRM creates a proposed segment set before saving the race. This may include:
Gun-time segments
Chip-time segments
Intermediate checkpoint splits
Checkpoint-to-checkpoint segments
Before the race is created, RRM opens a Review generated segments screen where you can check and adjust the proposed segments.
In this review step, you can:
Rename segments.
Remove segments that are not needed.
Select the race order segment.
Set the discipline for each segment.
Set the length of each segment to enable pace calculations.
These segments are used for participant results, rankings, race order, and pace calculations.
This option helps build a complete segment structure from the race checkpoints while still allowing operator review before the race is saved.
Race Aliases
Race aliases allow RRM to recognize race names from imported participant files.
This is useful when importing data from registration platforms or CSV files that may use slightly different race names.
Example:
Race name:
Aliases:
When importing participants, if the CSV file contains any of these values in the Race column, RRM will automatically assign the participant to the correct race.
This improves compatibility with external registration systems.
Saving the Race
Once the details, checkpoints, and policies are configured:
Click Save to create the race.
The race will appear in the Races Menu, ready for dashboard access and live timing.
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