Skip to main content
All CollectionsGetting Started with Marathon Kids
Getting Started with the Scanner App
Getting Started with the Scanner App

How does the scanner app work?

Stefanie Ediger avatar
Written by Stefanie Ediger
Updated over a week ago

In this article, you will find key information about the Scanner App as you get started with Marathon Kids.

You can watch this video or review the written content below.

Once you set up your Tracks and Activities in your account, these also show up in the Scanner app so it knows what lap distance credit each scan.

Key Things to Know

Device Compatibility

iOS and Android devices

  • phones

  • iPads and tablets

  • Chromebooks

WiFi/Cellular Service

You do not need WiFi or Cell Service to scan ID cards.

When logging into the scanner app and/or having other devices or volunteers Join a Live Session, you do need WiFi or cell service.

Otherwise, you can take the devices away from the building to scan ID Cards.

*Note the best practice when scanning is to always click the buttons: STOP LIVE SCANNING AND FINISH AND SYNC regardless of your WiFi or Cell Service status because you can resubmit those scans at a later time.

Camera feature

Train your kids to watch for their names to appear on the screen or hear the "bing" as the scan is captured.

Forward and Reverse-facing scanning is available.

Reverse-facing allows you to scan hands-free to prioritize participant safety.

Double-Scan or Cheat Prevention

There is a 15-second buffer to prevent double scans for each device when someone logs in to start a live session.

If you use the Join Live Session feature, the 15-second buffer works from device to device to prevent double scans.

Use of Multiple Devices

Using more devices with a large group of participants helps to prevent a backup at the scanner app.

You can use multiple devices and/or several volunteers to scan ID cards.

Options:

  • You can log in on several devices and start live scanning sessions.

  • You can start a live session and other Supporters of your account can start their own live sessions.

  • You can start a live session and have other devices or volunteers who do not have a login Join the Live Session

  • Participants can go to any device to be scanned they will receive credit and any person helping scan can scan any participant in your club.

    • The best practice is to teach your participants to go to the same device to see their total number of laps and the distance add up during the session.

General Best Practices

  • Keep device software up to date.

  • Set your Apps to auto-update.

  • Set your screen to stay awake while scanning.

  • Try shading your device to scan ID cards to prevent overheating and glare.

  • Always click the STOP LIVE SCANNING AND FINISH/SYNC buttons regardless if you have WiFi or cell service. This stores those scans on each device to be resubmitted once the device has WiFi/cell service.

How to scan Participant ID cards

Starting a Live Scanning session is easy to do!

First, download the Marathon Kids Connect App from your device's App Store to all devices that will be used during your running club season.

Video Instructions on How to Scan ID Cards:

Written Instructions on How to Scan ID Cards:

1. Log in

  • Enter the Username and Password you used to create this account online.

  • Click Login

2. Select Your Club

  • Select the club that is connected to your Participant ID cards.

  • Click Run

3. Select your Track or Activity

  • Click the blue RUN button next to the track or activity you want to scan for.

4. Start Live Scanning

Click the blue Start Live Scanning button.

5. Scan Participant ID Cards

Participants' names, laps, and distance will start to populate.


Helpful Related Articles

Did this answer your question?