How do I show live positions on a big screen at the finish area?

For a race, the simplest setup is to put the live leaderboard from your timing system on a computer and connect that computer to the big screen.

1. Check what your timing provider supports. Look for a live-results or leaderboard page that can be displayed full-screen. For example, RunSignup provides links intended for screens at the event, and some options can show finishers as they come in. (help.runsignup.com)
2. Feed it timing data. “Live position” usually means the athlete’s estimated place based on the most recent checkpoint or timing-mat read—not continuous, exact GPS tracking. (columbusmarathon.com)
3. Connect a laptop to the screen with HDMI, open the leaderboard link, switch the browser to full-screen, and set the screen to stay awake. Test it before race day.
4. Make it readable from a distance: show a small number of columns—such as bib/name, place, and time—and use large text. If you have multiple screens, you can show different divisions or groups.
5. Have a backup: keep the results page open on a second device and make sure the finish-area internet connection is reliable.

If you mean where racers are on the course right now, rather than their current ranking, you’ll need course tracking or timing checkpoints that feed a live map; a finish-area leaderboard alone won’t show that. (columbusmarathon.com)

What kind of event and timing system are you using?

The usual approach is to feed live timing data from your timing software to a screen at the finish. Most options fall into three setups.

1. Software presenter on a PC or laptop (cheapest)
Many timing packages can open a full-screen results view in a browser window with its own URL. For example, with the presenter, you can build your own dashboards for live results presentation. A common use case would be a big screen at the finish line. In RACE RESULT, you can also open the Present Results tool and choose the report, font size, and scrolling mode. Connect the laptop to the screen by HDMI and set the display to full screen.

2. Dedicated LED or display hardware
Some timing vendors sell boards that connect to the timing system over the network. Finished Results, for example, describes boards that show the running time, individual results as the runners finish, and dynamic team scoring. Other products are designed for timers, such as built-in WiFi and Ethernet connectivity allow seamless integration with your timing software. Check that the board supports your timing software before you buy.

3. Web page on a TV or kiosk
If you use an online results service, you can show its leaderboard on any internet-connected TV. RunSignUp describes this option: as soon as results are fed to RunSignUp, they are available to be displayed on the Live Leaderboard. Its settings include a Recent Finishers view, which suits the finish area, and a full scrolling leaderboard, which suits a small race on one screen. Some apps also offer a "live finishers" view with the newest finisher at the top, which is useful at the finish line.

Practical setup tips

• Network: Run a wired connection from the timing system to the screen's PC or display if you can. Wi-Fi at a finish area can drop. Some systems keep working offline and sync later. RACE RESULT says all functions continue seamlessly, with automatic syncing once connectivity is restored.
• Test before race day: Run a mock race or replay recorded data and check that the screen refreshes.
• Readability: Choose font size and layout for the distance from the screen to the crowd. If the screen is outdoors, look for high brightness. One LED vendor advertises boards readable across the entire stadium, even in direct sunlight.
• Power and mounting: Bring a power backup, cable covers, and a tripod or mount that is secure in wind.
• Fallback: Keep a spare laptop with the same view ready.

Vendor claims above are marketing material, so confirm specifics with the vendor. If you tell me which timing software you use (or your budget and screen size), I can narrow this to the steps for that system.

To display live race positions on a big screen at a finish area, you need to bridge three components: data collection (timing/scoring), data processing (management software), and visual display (screen output).

Here is the standard approach to setting this up:

1. Choose Your Timing/Scoring Method

The "live" element depends on how you capture data as participants cross the line.

• RFID Chip Timing: For professional road races or large events, RFID mats at the finish line automatically detect bib chips and send data to your timing software.
• Photo/Video Finish: For high-precision events (track, cycling), specialized cameras (e.g., FinishLynx) capture the exact moment of crossing. Simpler, low-budget alternatives include apps like RaceClocker or RunSignup’s photo-based timing, which use cameras to log times and sync them to your dashboard.
• Manual/App-Based: For smaller events, organizers often use apps like Webscorer or LiveTime to enter results manually or via scanning, which then feed directly into a live leaderboard.

2. Connect to Management Software

Your timing system must be linked to software that can format this data for a display.

• Integrated Solutions: Many timing platforms (e.g., RACE RESULT, FinishLynx/ResulTV, LiveTime) have built-in "Live Results" or "Scoreboard" modules. These are designed to output formatted graphics specifically for external monitors.
• Web-Based Leaderboards: Services like Webscorer, ScoreLeader, or BoardQ allow you to create a public-facing URL that updates in real-time. You simply open this page on a laptop connected to the big screen.

3. Displaying on the Big Screen

Once you have your live data feed, you need to get it onto the screen:

• Direct Display: Connect your laptop to the big screen (LED wall, TV, or projector) via HDMI or SDI. Set your browser or application to "Full Screen" mode.
• Broadcasting Graphics (Pro Level): If you want professional-looking overlays (e.g., live positions over a video feed of the finish line), use software like OBS Studio or vMix. These tools allow you to import your live data (often via NDI or a web source) and layer it over video.
• Check Legibility: Always test your display from the "back of the room" or the furthest expected spectator point. Ensure fonts are large, high-contrast, and that the data refreshes automatically without requiring manual interaction.

Summary Checklist for Race Day

Pro-Tip: If you are worried about internet connectivity at the finish line, look for systems that offer "local network" or "offline" modes to ensure the screen continues to show data even if the web connection drops.

For a typical running or cycling event, the setup is:

1. Use your timing system as the source of truth. Chip timing or another timing system records each crossing and feeds results to display software. Make sure it can publish live results or connect to a screen-display tool; timing platforms can update finish-area leaderboards automatically. ¹⁴
2. Choose what spectators should see. A useful rotation is the latest finishers, overall or category positions, finish times, and a race clock. Keep each screen uncluttered and readable from a distance.
3. Connect a computer to the screen. Open the timing software’s full-screen display or presenter view on a laptop, then connect it to the LED wall, TV, or projector—typically via HDMI. Some timing systems offer dedicated display software for scaling results to large screens. ¹²
4. Test the whole chain before race day. Confirm that a test timing read updates the board, names and positions are correct, and the display remains legible in the actual light and viewing conditions. Arrange reliable power and a backup laptop or a simple fallback slide.

If you tell me the sport, timing software, and screen type you have, I can suggest a more specific setup.