WHEN the annual 20k Elgoods Brewery's Great East Run takes place at Bungay next month, runners will be timed using a chip in their running shoes for the first time.

WHEN the annual 20k Elgoods Brewery's Great East Run takes place at Bungay next month, runners will be timed using a chip in their running shoes for the first time.

The event on February 15 marks the 10th anniversary of the race and will use the BARR Graded chip timing (gun time).

Chip timing systems require that athletes wear a small, lightweight chip that uniquely identifies them as they cross strategically placed, electronic mats.

The chip is typically worn on the shoelace or on an ankle bracelet, depending on the system being used. In its most basic and common form, chip timing electronically handles the task of collecting and processing results at the end of the race.

Every chip timing setup includes timing mats at the finish line. The primary benefits of using finish-line mats are more accurate recording and a less crowded finish area.

It eliminates the problems inherent to manual timing; as such, there will be no mistakes in the results caused by confusing, multiple-chute finishing areas, "bandits" (runners who have not registered) confusing timers, runners wearing the wrong number, or runners who get out of order in the chutes.

Also, because the process of matching times to numbers is computerised, human error is minimised, and times can be made available almost instantaneously through the system.

Entries for the Great East Run are coming in thick and fast and it is anticipated there will be more finishers than last year's 542. For those keen runners who hope to put in a good time there is the added lure of �100 if they break the course record, which stands at 62.31 for Male and 77.22 for Female.

For those not fast enough to win the �100 all finishers will receive a bespoke medal and goody bag.

The organisers would like to thank Elgoods for their continuing support as major sponsor. Their logo is appropriately a black dog and they also brew Black Dog Mild, a favourite with dark ale drinkers.

Elgoods is an independent family brewery which has stood on the same site for over 200 years. It is now run by the fifth generation of Elgoods who mashed their first brew in 1878 and remains an important aspect of Wisbech's continuing commercial history.

The event has many other sponsors and the committee would especially like to thank Sanderling Internet www.sanderling.co.uk for their continued support with the event's website www.greateastrun.org.uk where you can find full information and an entry form.