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The RaceOwl System includes a website, smartphone app, and racer tracking capability. Checkpoint and location data from RaceOwl provides real-time status and results of all racers during the MR340.
All racers and ground crews need to understand how this system works and be ready to use it during the MR340. Don't wait until the day before the race to learn this system!
We are very grateful for RaceOwl which is maintained by Jon Marble, a multi-year MR340 veteran. Visit www.raceowl.com as you familiarize yourself with the information we have provided below. If after you've read about RaceOwl and have visited the site you still have unanswered questions, please reach out to raceowl.info@gmail.com.
In addition to the training information provided on the RaceOwl site, follow the MR340 Facebook page to catch any Zoom training meeting discussions.
Racers must provide their position along the race course. This is required for our safety protocols. By enabling the RaceOwl tracking feature, you can not only avoid the manual checking in and out of each Checkpoint but benefit from some additional perks too.
This option is most recommended because:
There are two ways to track your position during the race:
Download and Review RaceOwl:
Your first official and required MR340 Checkpoint Check-In on your phone will happen at Kaw Point Park. Please come with the app already installed on your phone, and if you have questions we can help answer them there. Once you get that first manual check-in under your belt, the next one isn't until the next day at Waverly. We will have some RaceOwl volunteers at this Checkpoint in case you need assistance too.
If you DNF (did not finish), you still must manually select the Checkpoint and DNF option in the RaceOwl app.
Racers must provide their position along the race course. This is required for our safety protocols. Official Checkpoint check-in and check-out provides a way for you to report your position along the race course at these locations. Minimally, you are required to know how to check in and check out of Checkpoints and have a phone capable of sending texts and receiving texts from RaceOwl.
Download and Review RaceOwl:
The RaceOwl app enables you to easily check in and out of each Checkpoint along the MR340 course. It's as simple as opening your RaceOwl app, selecting the correct Checkpoint location, and then selecting Check In. Later, upon getting ready to leave a Checkpoint, you will follow the same process but instead select Check Out.
In the event you need to DNF (did not finish), you will use the RaceOwl app to select that option.
Your ground crew has the ability to download the app and enter Check-In, Check-Out, and DNF data on your behalf. Just be sure they set up the app such that they aren't enabling tracking. We don't need to see them traveling across the state - tracking is dedicated to racers only. Read about Tracking in the next section and also on the RaceOwl site.
If you are successfully tracking, you are not required to check in and check out of Checkpoints because RaceOwl will take care of this for you! If your tracker is misbehaving in any way, then your device will be put on a ‘bad list’, your tracker information will be rejected by RaceOwl, and you and your ground crew will get a text from RaceOwl instructing you to revert to Checkpoint check-in and check-out.
Your first official and required MR340 Checkpoint Check-In on your phone will happen at Pre-Race Check-In at Kaw Point Park. Please come with the app already installed on your phone, and if you have questions we can help answer them there. Once you get that first check-in under your belt, the next one isn't until the next day at Waverly. We will have some RaceOwl volunteers at this Checkpoint in case you need assistance too.
Racers must provide their position along the race course. This is required for our safety protocols. Manual texting for checking in and out of Checkpoints works, but it is more prone to user errors and the need for our RaceOwl volunteers to intervene.
Manual texts to the RaceOwl text number (provided prior to the race) should have the form:
<boat number> <checkpoint> <day> <time> <am|pm> <in|out>
For example:
Manual texting works, but an easier, less error prone way is accomplished with the RaceOwl app. The app takes care of the formatting for you and is highly recommended as it reduces your workload down to a couple of button pushes and provides immediate feedback from RaceOwl that your check-in/out was accepted. See our RaceOwl Options 1 and 2 for more info.
Your first official and required MR340 Checkpoint Check-In on your phone will happen at Pre-Race Check-In at Kaw Point Park. If you have questions we can help answer them there. Once you get that first check-in under your belt, the next one isn't until the next day at Waverly. We will have some RaceOwl volunteers at this Checkpoint in case you need assistance too.
Ground crews can manually text on behalf of paddler.
Website Features:
Want to watch a tutorial? The 2022 MR340 Live - RaceOwl Tutorial was held on 6/29/22. We were joined by RaceOwl developer Jon Marble to walk through the RaceOwl app for MR340 race checkpoint check-in and out and auto-tracking, and how race fans could use the RaceOwl website to track their racers' progress.
