Race Director University and Orbiter Inc. Forge Strategic Partnership at Running USA Conference

January 29, 2026

Training Tomorrow's Event Timers on Safer, More Affordable Technology

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (January 29, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Race Director University (RDU), the nation’s first certification program for race directors, and Orbiter Inc., the Washington-based RFID timing technology company, announce a strategic partnership launching at the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference February 1-3 in St. Louis. The partnership brings Orbiter’s mat-free timing technology into RDU Academy, training young professionals ages 15-18 as the next generation of event leaders.

Gregory Stewart, President & CEO of Orbiter Inc., will present “Smarter Tracking & Timing for Safer, More Insurable Races” at the conference, addressing how traditional timing mats can create ADA compliance issues and trip hazards, and how side antenna RFID technology offers a safer alternative.

“The timing industry has a safety problem that most race directors don’t know about,” said Stewart. “Non-rigid mats that slip are an ADA violation. Our side antenna technology eliminates that risk entirely while providing the same accuracy at a fraction of the cost.”

Gregory J. Evans, Founder & CEO of Race Director University, has worked with Orbiter for eight years and represented the company at three industry conferences.

“The endurance industry faces a succession challenge. The race directors who built this industry are retiring, and we need young professionals ready to step in,” said Evans. “Orbiter’s timing platform is ideal for teaching because it’s affordable, portable, and anyone can learn it. We’re training these students on real technology they’ll use throughout their careers.”

RDU Academy, launching summer 2026, provides hands-on training in event management, timing operations, sponsor activation, and crisis management. Academy participants will learn race timing using Orbiter’s RFID technology, which features three-minute setup, wireless operation, and detection of 250 tags per second.

Running USA members will receive a discount on RDU certification as part of the partnership announcement. Details will be available at the conference and through RDU’s website.

For more information, visit racedirectoruniversity.com and orbiter.com.

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ABOUT RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY

Race Director University is the first national certification program for race directors in the United States, established in 2012. RDU provides online professional education, certification, and resources for endurance event professionals including road races, cycling events, triathlons, and specialty events. Learn more at racedirectoruniversity.com.

ABOUT ORBITER INC.

Founded in 2006, Orbiter Inc. delivers RFID technology for automated race timing across non-profits, events, military, and schools in the United States and internationally. Orbiter’s portable systems feature wireless operation, rapid setup, and affordability, making chip timing accessible to events of all sizes. Learn more at orbiter.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Gregory J. Evans
Founder & CEO, Race Director University
greg@racedirectoruniversity.com
(630) 327-1619

Gregory Stewart
President & CEO, Orbiter Inc.
info@orbiter.com
888-816-4366