RFID

Bolder Boulder will rely on new chip technology

The 29th Bolder Boulder will employ electronic "smart" timing for the first time, utilizing a new product which race officials believe is superior to the chip technology adopted by major marathons and other races in recent years. Runners will wear a "Smart Tag" that contains a pair of antennae and utilizes radio frequency identification. Electronic readers at mile markers and the finish line will detect the tags as they pass, recording each runner's progress. The tag, which works similarly to electronic employee ID badges, is about half the size of a credit card. Bolder Boulder officials didn't jump on chip technology when it came along a decade ago because surveys told them the race's existing timing method was sufficiently accurate and because of the cost of the chip systems.