Dear friends and partners of mika:timing,

As I sit by the fireplace, reflecting on this extraordinary year, a deep sense of gratitude fills me. And yes, instead of the usual cup of coffee, this time, I have a well-deserved glass of wine. 

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the trust you’ve placed in mika:timing and for the outstanding collaboration that made this year so remarkable. In 2024, we had the privilege of welcoming some incredible events into the mika:timing family, including the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon, Athens Marathon, Swim Serpentine and World Masters Athletic Championships!

A few of my personal highlights from this year:

• The 50th BMW Berlin Marathon wasn’t just the largest marathon to date; it also marked 22 years of our collaboration with the event. Watching our journey together unfold over such a long time fills me with pride. One moment that will stay with me is spotting an m:t Champion Chip in the MOVE – HOME OF BERLIN MARATHON. Yes, we made it into an exhibition! 
• For the first time, our team supported the Athens Marathon. The Authentic. Roaming the historic grounds of the birthplace of the marathon gave us goosebumps. It also made us reflect. Today, delivering an important message is as simple as sending a WhatsApp message or making a phone call — you no longer need to run 42 kilometers. What does that say about how far we've come?
• The excitement of witnessing records being broken never fades. This year, Ruth Chepngetich gave us a special moment when she shattered the women’s world record in Chicago.
• Our Custom App is becoming the new standard for running events, enhancing the experience for participants and spectators alike. We’re proud to offer a fully customizable solution that can be tailored to match the unique look and feel of each race, setting us apart in the industry.
• Oh, and let's not forget that amazing summer weekend in Paris ...
• Our team travelled to even more countries this year, and we celebrated our 150th event with our live bib print service, which we’ve continually improved. You know you've started a trend when others try to copy it.

As for trends and innovations, here’s what we’ve noticed:

• LED panels on lead vehicles: We’re proud to have set new standards with LED panels, and it's been exciting to see creative implementations, such as the cube setup at the Chicago Marathon. By the way, We believe this is the perfect solution—it provides valuable information to leading runners while also offering a visually appealing platform for sponsors.
• Engaging spectators: The Vienna Marathon introduced a motivational mile, allowing spectators to upload encouraging messages, photos and videos for participants, which were displayed on LED panels along the course or on the full LED finish gantry.
• Embracing technology: The Göteborgsvarvet used our technology in a creative way with their “runners high.” Finishers could register for their next race by simply walking through a dedicated gate, equipped with a timing system.

Looking Ahead
We eagerly anticipate what the new year will bring. Our order books are full, and many exciting projects lie ahead. One of them: est mika:timing will celebrate 30 years this winter.

The bustling and optimistic atmosphere at conferences like the European Running Business Conference in Athens reassures us of the importance of endurance races. We deeply believe that this is more than just a business — bringing people of all backgrounds and identities together is a personal mission for all of us.

2025 will be another year filled with special encounters and memorable experiences. From major international sporting events to smaller, yet equally significant ones, we will work together with you to inspire and move people. 

Wishing you and your families a joyful and restful holiday season, and a peaceful, prosperous start to 2025.

Warm regards and best wishes,
Harald and the mika:timing team