What is a ChampionChip?

This year all race splits will be timed using the ChampionChip system. A ChampionChip is a miniature transponder in a specially designed housing, marked with a unique identification number corresponding to each athlete. Electronic equipment at the finish lines will record these numbers and times.

Each team's runner will wear a ChampionChip. Also, since the finish of the bike portion of the race is officially the time that each team's paddler leaves the bike changeover zone after the bike handoff, each team's "running" paddler will wear a chip. Each team race packet will contain 2 of the chips marked "runner" and "paddler". The runners and paddlers must attach the chips to their shoes with the plastic ties provided (tandem team bikers will attach the chip to their ankle with a velcro strap). Remember - no chip, no time.

After the race is completed, volunteers will collect all the chips from the athletes. This is important. The chips are expensive and each team that does not return a chip will be charged the replacement cost ($30 per chip), so please return the chips.

How does the ChampionChip work?

There are no batteries in the ChampionChip. The transponder is inactive until moved into a magnetic field, generated by an antenna in the finish line mat. When the ChampionChip enters the magnetic field, the chip is energized and produces an electric current to power the chip. The transponder then transmits its unique identification number to another antenna in the mat. An electronic reader puts the identification number, clock time and the racer's name together. The entire process takes approximately 60 milliseconds.

How to attach the ChampionChip

The reading distance of the ChampionChip System is limited. The antennas are embedded in the red mats you'll see on the road. Therefore the chips should be located as close to the mats as possible on the body of the participant. :

· The chip should preferably be attached to the running shoe or attached to the ankle with a velcro strap (tandem bikers only). Use the provided plastic tie to attach the ChampionChip it tightly to the shoe. Tandem bikers, attach the ankle strap with the chip around your ankle. Make sure you do not attach it too firmly because your ankles will swell up during the event.

· Do not tie the chip into your lace; if it comes loose, the chip may easily be lost.

Do's & Don'ts

· The chip can be damaged by extreme shocks.

· If you cannot finish the race, return your chip only to designated race officials or volunteers.

· Do not attach the ankle strap too firmly to your ankle: your ankle will swell up during the event.

· Make sure no one else uses your chip. Make sure that you have only one chip in an event.

· Bear in mind: no chip, no time. Only athletes wearing a ChampionChip will be timed.

You must return your chip

· The cost of each ChampionChip is $30. We are required by contract to pay this amount to the parent company - ChampionChip of North America for each lost chip. Therefore, athlete's who do not return their chips will be charged $30.

There will be race volunteers to collect the chips at the finish lines. Runner's chips will be collected at the end of the changeover zone (after handing off to the biker). Canoe runner (and tandem biker) chips will be collected at the canoe finish line. Volunteers will be easy to spot and very vocal about collecting the chips. Please return the chips before exiting the finish area. Remember that all athletes who do not return their "Chips" at the finish line will be charged $30! All "Chips" must be returned so they can be used for future events.

Chip Return

If you have somehow not returned a ChampionChip on race day, please send it to us. The race is charged to replace any losses, so please always return your chip! Here's how:

· 1. Put the chip in a padded envelope (or wrap it securely inside bubble wrap to make the envelope thick. In a regular envelope, the chip will be lost in the Post Office machinery!

· 2. Add a quick note telling us your name and team number.

· 3. Send it to: Great Race Chip Return, 8542 Lakeshore Rd, Cicero, NY 13039

· 4. Be sure to have enough postage on the envelope. Best bet is to take it to the window at the Post Office and have them check it.

Thanks