Lap counter system for multiple runners

A lap counter system for accumulating lap information about a runner doing laps around a track during a workout session, comprising:

• (a) a pedestal positioned adjacent the track;
• (b) computing means housed within the pedestal for acting upon the accumulated lap information about the runner and for generating a graphical display of the accumulated lap information that is viewable by the runner during the workout session;
• (c) a RFID antenna connected to the computing means for creating an electrical sensing field across the track;
• (d) a RFID tag removably affixed to the runner for generating a signal each time the RFID tag passes on the runner passes through the antenna sensing field during a lap on the track;
• and
• (e) sensing means on or in the pedestal for recognizing the runner RFID tag when it is positioned on or about the pedestal to initiate the computing means to begin a workout session of that runner and to accumulate the lap information for display and to end a workout session when the runner approaches the pedestal for a second time and places the RFID tag on or about the pedestal.

A method of a lap counter system for a runner on a track, comprising the steps of:

• (a) affixing a removable RFID tag to a runner for generating an encoded signal with unique characteristics related to the identity of the runner and to cumulative lap information derive about each runner during a workout session;
• (b) sensing the encoded signal each lap around the track;
• (c) feeding the sensed encoded signal to a computer for calculating various variables concerning the laps completed by the runner;
• and
• (d) displaying the various variables on a monitor viewable by the runner on the track during a workout session.