When you run a marathon, you encounter terms like “Gross Time” and “Net Time.” What exactly is the difference, and which one counts as the official record? Let’s clarify the basic rules of race timing and how these terms are used!
The Official Race Record: Gross Time / Gun Time / Clock Time
- Starting Point: The instant the start signal (gun, horn, etc.) is fired.
- Ending Point: The instant you cross the finish line.
- Key Characteristics:
- Adopted as the official time of the race and is the standard for ranking and certified records.
- In large races with many participants, this time includes the lost time (from seconds to minutes) until you actually reach the starting line.
- “Gun Time” is nearly synonymous with Gross Time, referring to the time based on the firing of the start “gun.”
Key Takeaway! The official ranking of a marathon is generally determined by the shortest Gross Time (Gun Time).
The Measure of Your Performance: Net Time / Chip Time / Watch Time
- Starting Point: The instant the runner actually crosses the start line (measured by a timing chip worn by the runner).
- Ending Point: The instant you cross the finish line.
- Key Characteristics:
- This is the actual time the runner spent running, representing your pure running ability.
- It does not include the lost time at the start (the time taken to reach the start line).
- “Chip Time” is nearly synonymous with Net Time, referring to the time measured using the timing “chip.”
- Primarily used as a reference time for personal bests and achieving individual goals.
Timing Types and Their Use Cases [Summary]
| Type | Measurement Start Point | Primary Use / Meaning |
| Gross Time (Gun Time) | The instant the gun fires | Official Record, Ranking, Certified Time |
| Net Time (Chip Time) | The instant the runner crosses the start line | Actual Running Ability, Personal Best, Reference |
In large races, if you start near the back, your Net Time will always be shorter than your Gross Time.
Common Question: Why Do Rank and Time Sometimes Reverse?
It is possible for the official rank (Gross Rank) and the rank based on actual running ability (Net Rank) to be reversed.
| Rank (Gross Rank) | Gross Time (Gun to Finish) | Net Time (Start Line to Finish) | Net Rank |
| 1st (Runner A) | 3:00:00 | 2:59:30 | 2nd |
| 2nd (Runner B) | 3:00:10 | 2:59:00 | 1st |
- Official is A (1st): Because Runner A finished first (shorter Gross Time).
- Performance is B (1st): Because Runner B’s actual running time was 30 seconds shorter (shorter Net Time).
Why is Gross Time used for Official Ranking?
This is because the marathon, as a competition, prioritizes the fairness of the race rule of “mass start, first to finish wins.”
- Rules of Competition: International athletics rules (WA/JAAF) stipulate that the official record and ranking are based on the Gross Time, which is referenced from the gun.
- Clarity and Spectator Experience: The order in which runners cross the finish line (Finish Rank) immediately becomes the Official Rank. Using Net Time would delay the final ranking, which is inconvenient for race operation and diminishes the excitement.
- Cut-off Time: The race cut-off time is also counted from the start signal (Gross Time).
Gross Time represents the “result of the competition,” while Net Time represents “individual running ability.” Both play important roles.
If you want to track your running improvement, check your Net Time. If you want to know your official result, check your Gross Time.
