How the Seal Beach 10K Works

Like other running competitions, the Seal Beach 5K/10K declares winners in each event. In recent years, the organizers have implemented a high-tech way to determine those winners. Instead of basing a runner's time on the starter's gun (it can take several seconds or even minutes for every participant to reach the starting line once the pistol fires), race officials use a computerized system to accurately record each runner's time.

Runners wear computer chips tied to their sneakers. When each runner steps on a special blanket at the starting line, the computer records his or her starting time. The computer timer also records an accurate time as each runner crosses the finish line. Thanks to this system, it doesn't matter when runners reach the start line -- their overall time will determine their fates.

The winner of each race (men's 5K, women's 5K, men's 10K and women's 10K) receives a trophy. First, second and third place winners in each of 13 different age and gender divisions get a medal. Every child who participates in the fun run goes home with a medal on a ribbon.

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