It takes about 0.3 seconds to punch. This step takes between 3 and 4 seconds. The check procedure is carried out by the organiser immediately before you start. It is a verification that the card has been cleared and is ready for use. A control punch is recorded in the card and the records stored in the check control station can be used to record the number of runners who started.
Major events use predefined start times based on a start list.
Finish The use of a finish station for time taking is also optional. Increasingly, even for major championships, a punching finish is used with finish stations placed on the finish line. After finishing your run the card data has to be read out for evaluation purposes. Please note that the data on the card is still stored.