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How to scan ID cards (QR Codes)

Use the scanner app to start a live session, scan participant ID cards, and sync results to your coach dashboard.

Written by Stefanie Ediger

Overview

Scanning ID cards is the fastest way to log miles for multiple participants during an in-person session.

What you’ll need

  • The Marathon Kids scanner app installed on the device you will use for scanning.

  • Your coach login (Email address and Password)

  • Participants with printed ID cards

Steps to scan ID cards

1. Open the scanner app and log in.

  • Enter your email and password

  • Select Login

Scanner App login screen showing where to enter email and password.

2. Select your run club from the dropdown menu.

  • Select Run!

Scanner App screen showing where to select your run club before scanning.

3. Select your track or activity.

  • Select Run! next to the track or activity you want to scan for.

Scanner App screen showing how to choose a track or activity and select Run.

4. Select Start Live Scanning to scan participant ID cards.

Scanner App screen demonstrating live scanning mode.

5. Scan participant ID cards.

Scanner App screen showing live scanning mode.

6. When finished, select Stop and Finish and Sync.

Scanner App screen showing the Finish/Sync step.

7. Wait for the confirmation screen Sync Complete.

Scanner App screen showing the Sync Complete step.

Troubleshooting

No Internet Connection when syncing

If you see No Internet Connection after tapping Stop → Finish And Sync, don’t worry — your scans are still saved on your device and can be uploaded later.

  1. Connect to WiFi or cellular data.

  2. In the scanner app, open See Log History.

  3. Find the session marked fail uploaded.

  4. Tap Resubmit to upload the session.

Once it uploads, the session will show a Sync Completed message and your session data will be available in your web account.

FAQs

Do I need WiFi/internet to scan ID cards?

No. You can scan ID cards without WiFi or cell service.

You do need internet to:

  • Log in to the scanner app

  • Use the Join Live Session or Join An Ongoing Activity feature

  • Sync your session after you tap Stop → Finish And Sync

If you’re scanning outside with no internet, still tap Stop → Finish And Sync. You may see a No Internet Connection message, but your scans are saved on your device and you can upload them later from Log History.

Where do I check if my session synced successfully?

In the scanner app, open Log History. If a session shows Uploaded with a date and time, that means it synced successfully and your session data is available in your web application.

What if a participant’s QR code won’t scan?

Try these quick fixes:

  • Increase lighting and hold the camera steady

  • Make sure the QR code is not blurry, folded, or damaged

  • If needed, reprint the participant’s ID card from your web application

Video instructions

Watch this short video for a walkthrough of scanning ID cards.

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