The Lakeland Runners Club is here to support runners of all experience levels. One of our goals is to help everyone feel confident and informed, both on and off the course. This glossary breaks down common race terms so you’ll know exactly what those race instructions mean.

Bandit
An individual on the course who has not officially registered or signed a waiver. Considered unauthorized and not permitted to participate.
(Note: This behavior is discouraged and sometimes referred to as “race theft.”)

Bib Number
A unique number assigned to each registered participant, typically displayed on the front during the race.

Corral
A designated area where runners are grouped before the start based on pace or expected finish time.

Race
The overall event experience—can span multiple days or feature several types of runs.

Event
An individual race option within the larger race day. Examples: 5K, Kids Run, or 10K.

Certified Course
A race route that’s been officially measured and approved to meet precise distance standards.

PR (Personal Record)
Your fastest time ever for a specific distance or course.

Chip
A small timing device—either reusable or disposable—linked to your bib that tracks your time via RFID technology.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
The system that enables chip timing; it captures your time when you cross designated timing points on the course.

Splits
Segment times recorded at certain points along the course to show progress (example: your pace at mile 1, mile 2, etc.).

Gun/Clock Time
Time measured from the official race start (when the horn or gun sounds) to when you cross the finish line.

Chip/Net Time
Time recorded from when your chip crosses the starting line to when it crosses the finish. This is your personal race time.

Age Group
Category for awards based on age and gender (e.g., Women 30–34, Men 40–44).

Double-Dip
Winning in more than one award category.
(Note: Not permitted in LRC events to maintain fairness.)

Masters
Runners age 40 and older.

Grand Masters
Runners age 50 and older.

Senior Grand Masters
Runners age 60 and older.

Giveaway
An item included with registration at no extra cost—often a t-shirt or race swag.

Add-On
An optional item available for purchase during registration (like a premium shirt or medal).

Check-In
The process of picking up your bib, giveaway, and any purchased add-ons before the race.

Kiosk
An on-site device where participants can look up registration details or race results.

DNF (Did Not Finish)
A participant who started but didn’t complete the race.

DNS (Did Not Start)
A participant who registered but did not begin the race.

DQ (Disqualified)
Removed from official results due to rule violations.

Drop
When a participant voluntarily exits the race, usually self-reported or flagged by a race official.