System and method for determining split times in a relay race

A computer-implemented method for determining split times of a relay race run with a plurality of batons on a running track having a plurality of lanes and sets of take-over zones in which the batons are handed off, wherein each of the lanes has one take-over zone in each set and the take-over zones of each set are staggered, the method comprising:

• storing, on a timing computer, a track map specifying a take-over line for each take-over zone;
• communicating with a tracking computer to receive, with the timing computer, periodically-determined locations of each baton;
• tracking, with the timing computer, each baton during the relay race based on the periodically-determined locations of said each baton to determine movement of said each baton;
• obtaining, from a real-time clock, a crossing time when each baton crosses each take-over line of the corresponding lane, as based on the movement of said each baton;
• determining, with the timing computer, split times by subtracting from each crossing time of each baton either (a) a previous crossing time, when said each baton crossed a previous take-over line at the previous crossing time, or (b) a start time, when said each crossing time is a first crossing time of said each baton;
• and
• sending the determined split times from the timing computer to an output device.