First time barcode scanning at parkrun. any tips?

[megletthesecond]

I've been to enough parkruns to know the drill but this week is first time scanning barcodes.

I know they'll talk me through it before the run starts but has anyone else done it? It seems like I just have to blip them in the right order and don't let them walk off home with their finishing token?

Remember its Athlete, Barcode. And the wristbands are a beggar to scan. Wear a coat with a big pocket so you can drop the tokens in as you scan them otherwise you end up juggling. But thats about it!

Person then position. If they've forgotten their barcode you don't scan the position.

We have a metal holder on the clipboard to put the position tokens back in order, which is handy.

If the scanner doesn't beep, don't panic. Sometimes holding it further away from the barcode helps. And if it is a chilly morning keep the scanner warm between the start and finisher as it can play up if it gets too cold.

Good luck!

*first finisher

Thank you!

Yes, I have a coat with big pockets.

Will remember athlete, barcode. A, B.

I've never seen the first people across the line before. It'll be nice to put some names to faces.

And say their name if you can read it on their barcode- gives it the personal touch. Like scanning, but prefer handing out finish tokens!

I'm pleased to report it went smoothly.

Fairly quiet today so the queues were short and the 'head' barcode volunteer let me do the first person through so I could practice while it was quiet. Only handful without barcodes and only a couple that didn't work.