I'm thinking of running a (very) small downhill race for kids.
I've got my head around options for most things, but what do folk use for the timing for these sorts of events.

I'm assuming there is a sliding scale of options – can anyone point me at any, with ballpark prices?

Ta

stopwatch, radio/phone, paper and pen

going beyond that is all about how much you want to spend, a pair of beams with a radio link and a timing box will cost a couple of grand (e.g. this)

Freelap is apparently very good, no idea about cost though.

Do you know anyone with any freelap stuff? 2 poles and some watches if you can borrow them would do it accurately for you.

For small races tho most people use 2 stopwatches. Start them on count down to a minute (5 to 1, then go) and write down who went when then just lap time at the bottom against the names and figure times out after.

After that you're pretty much on to proper timing gear or people like Chris Roberts from naked racing or Mikrotime etc.

only need one stopwatch. use the callsigns on radios as the starting beeps.

starter presses the call button
radio beeps for 3-5s depending on model
rider goes at the end of beeps
timer starts stopwatch at the end of beeps

only have one rider on track or it gets complicated.

Sounds like keeping it simple is the best option. Radios and a stopwatch.

I guess the trick is to be very organised and having everything ready to fill in as the race progresses.

OK – so wot radios for race timing 🙂