The California Interscholastic Federation will use Chip Timing at the 2009 CIF State Cross Country Championships on Sat., Nov. 28 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Chip Timing is a system that requires athletes to wear a lightweight chip on a shoelace or ankle bracelet. The CIF will mandate that runners wear a chip on both shoelaces.

The chip helps identify runners as they cross strategically placed electronic mats throughout the course. The system can accurately chart runners’ split and finish times.

Chip Timing also provides immediate race updates.

A sponsorship by Nike makes Chip Timing possible for the first time in the history of the state championships, which started in 1987.