Race Simulation
The Race Simulator in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM) is a powerful tool that allows organizers to generate fully simulated passings for one or more races in an event. It enables race directors, timers, and technical staff to test an entire event configuration—race logic, checkpoints, lap logic, timing devices, participant assignments—before race day, using realistic synthetic data.
The simulator reproduces real-world passing behavior, producing test data that flows through RRM exactly like live timing information. This makes it possible to validate event setup, detect configuration mistakes early, and train timing personnel in a safe environment without physical hardware.
Availability: You can find the Race Simulator Dialog in the RRM top menu. The Race Simulator is available only in the RRM desktop applications for Windows and macOS. It is not available in the Web App neither for events with status PUBLISHED.
What the Simulator Does
The Race Simulator generates passings that follow the actual rules and structure of each race, including:
Race type (Classical, Fixed Laps, Time-Trial)
Checkpoints and segments
Lap or segments length and sport type.
Participant age and gender
Timing point assignment (device -> checkpoint)
Race start times and race clock behavior
It uses this information to produce:
Realistic elapsed times
Correct passing order
Accurate pacing and timing variation
Correct lap detection and segment routing
Device-targeted passings (when device assignment exists)
Simulated passings behave exactly like live passings from real field hardware.
Why Use the Race Simulator?
The Race Simulator helps ensure:
All races and checkpoints are configured correctly
Lap gates and sectors behave as expected
Race dashboards show correct progression
Start times and race timers function properly
Age group and gender distributions behave realistically
Multi-race events run smoothly and consistently
Timing operators are trained before race day
You can preview the whole race without any runners or equipment
It is one of the most effective tools for pre-event validation and technical rehearsal.
Simulation Controls
The Race Simulator dialog provides configurable options to tailor the simulation.
Select Races
Choose one or more races to include in the simulation. All selected races will receive simulated passings concurrently.
The simulator intelligently respects:
Each race’s structure
Checkpoints and device assignments
Race type logic
Participant lists
Participant Subset
You can limit the number of participants included in the simulation:
10
25
50
100
Simulating fewer participants reduces system load and speeds up test cycles.
Simulation Speed
Controls how fast simulated passings are generated relative to real time:
5×
10×
20×
50×
At 50×, a race that normally spans 2 hours can be simulated in just a few minutes.
Higher speeds generate large numbers of passings quickly. Depending on race configuration, the system may become busy or reach processing saturation. This is normal during high-intensity simulations.
Missing Read Simulation (Dropped Passings)
Simulate imperfect timing conditions by introducing random missing reads.
A slider allows selecting a percentage of passings to drop:
0% (perfect detection)
Higher values introduce realistic chip-read failures
This is extremely useful for:
Stress testing
Evaluating race robustness
Training timing staff
Testing cleanup and recovery workflows
Running a Simulation
Once the races are configured:
Set start time and process passings for the simulated races.
Click START in the simulator dialog.
Simulation time begins counting (independent from race clock).
Simulated passings are generated and injected into RRM.
Dashboards update in real time as if a real race is underway.
During simulation, the panel shows:
Simulation status
Race span progression
Total passings enqueued
Race selector badges
Participant subset
Speed factor
Missed-read percentage
You can monitor progress at a glance.
Simulation Race Timer Display
A blue background appears in the Race Timer Widget while simulation is running showing the race’s virtual elapsed time.
Monitoring the Fake Race in Real Time
All race dashboards behave exactly as they would during a real event:
Lap counters increase
Split times populate
Ranking tables reorder live
Time-Trial races reach duration limit and enter OVERTIME
Checkered flags trigger in Fixed Laps races
Gaps, intervals, sector splits, and pace values reflect the artificial race
Timers display start-time behavior, counts, and flags correctly
This allows full verification of:
Race logic
Checkpoint sequencing
Device routing
Start time configuration
Lap gate behavior
Participant assignment
Finish conditions
You can quickly confirm everything is correct—or identify misconfigurations that must be corrected before event day.
System Load Considerations
The Race Simulator can generate large amounts of passing data very quickly, especially when:
Multiple races are selected
Simulation speed is 20× or 50×
Long races with many checkpoints are involved
High participant subsets are chosen
This may temporarily:
Increase CPU usage
Slow UI responsiveness
Delay race dashboard updates
This behavior is expected during intensive simulation runs.
Stopping or Exiting Simulation
You can:
Stop/Pause/Cancel the simulation at any time
Reset the simulated races
Adjust parameters and start again
When stopped, simulated passings remain in the event until deleted or the race is reset.
Conclusion
The Race Simulator is an advanced tool designed to help race organizers test and validate their entire event setup before race day. By generating realistic synthetic passings that follow all rules, checkpoints, laps, and timing logic, the simulator allows you to rehearse the event, detect issues early, and train staff in a controlled environment.
It is one of the most valuable resources for ensuring a flawless race experience.
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