parkrun finishing token dispenser

Now updated with improved MK5

This is a handy gadget for issuing parkrun finishing tokens. At each parkrun (which is a free timed 5K run organised in many cities and towns across the UK and the rest of the world), every finisher is issued the a finishing token, which is a small plastic card with a position number and a barcode. The issuing of these tokens in order is critical to the process for recording each runners time.

Each parkrun has its own system for handling tokens (some good and some bad) and most involve an unwieldy piece of wire onto which the tokens are threaded. It can be a very fiddly process removing the tokens from the wire and usually you need two volunteers, one to remove tokens from the wire in small batches and another to give them out to runners. With this system it’s easy for something to go wrong like a batch of numbers being dropped or mixed up.

This token dispenser has a small slit at the front which will only allow one token come out at once. The batch of tokens in the device are pushed up using a block and a rubber band. It is very easy to use, only needs one person and takes the stress out of issuing finishing tokens.