How to enable push notifications for Live Predictive Tracking
If you are a event spectator wishing to follow the progress of a specific participant as they complete the race, and the event organizer has enabled Live Predictive Tracking on Race Roster, then push notifications are for you!
By enabling push notifications, you will be notified the moment the participant you are following finishes their race, without the need to constantly refresh the page. This is especially useful if you are on the move following the participant from the course perimeter, or if you've arranged to meet them after they've crossed the finish line.
What are push notifications?
A push notification is an alert (typically a pop-up) generated by an application while the application is not open. The aim is to notify the user of a new message or update. When you follow a participant on an event using Live Predictive Tracking, you can turn on push notifications to receive an alert shortly after they complete their race. This way, notifications are sent directly to your device (i.e., smartphone or computer), even if you're not actively viewing the results page.
How to enable push notifications on a desktop device
This works with the following web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari
1. Open the web browser and go to the event's results page on Race Roster.
2. Use the search bar to locate the participant(s) that you want to track, then use the toggle to "Follow" them.
3. Navigate to the "Following" tab.
4. Click the "Notifications off" button.
5. When your browser asks for permission, click "Allow".
You will see the button change to "Notifications on". You'll now receive a browser notification when your followed participants finish their race.
How to enable push notifications on iPhone
This works if you save the results page to your iPhone home screen first.
Step 1: Add to home screen
1. Open the Safari web browser and go the event's results page on Race Roster.
2. Tap the "Share" button (square with arrow pointing up).
3. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen".
4. Rename the page if needed, then tap "Add" in the top right corner.
You will see a new standalone "app" on your iPhone home screen.
Step 2: Enable notifications
1. Open the newly-saved app from your home screen.
2. Use the search bar to locate the participant(s) that you want to track, then use the toggle to "Follow" them.
3. Navigate to the "Following" tab.
4. Tap the "Notifications off" button.
5 . When prompted for permission, tap "Allow" to enable notifications.
You will see the button change to "Notifications on". You'll now receive a notification when your followed participants finish their race.
How to enable push notifications on Android
This works if you save the results page to your Android home screen first.
Step 1: Add to home screen
1. Open the Chrome web browser and go the event's results page on Race Roster.
2. Tap the "Menu" button (three dots in the top right).
3. Tap "Add to Home Screen".
4. Rename the page if needed, then tap "Add".
You will see a new standalone "app" on your Android home screen.
Step 2: Enable notifications
1. Open the newly-saved app from your home screen.
2. Use the search bar to locate the participant(s) that you want to track, then use the toggle to "Follow" them.
3. Navigate to the "Following" tab.
4. Tap the "Notifications off" button.
5 . When prompted for permission, tap "Allow" to enable notifications.
You will see the button change to "Notifications on". You'll now receive a notification when your followed participants finish their race.
How to disable push notifications
To stop receiving notifications:
1. Go to the "Following" tab
2. Click or tap the "Notifications on" button
You will see the button change back to "Notifications off".
Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions
Below you will find common troubleshooting inquiries and our suggestions and answers.
I'm not receiving notifications. What did I do wrong?
- Make sure you clicked "Allow" when your browser asked for permission.
- On mobile, make sure you're using the saved home screen "app", not your regular browser, to enable notifications.
- Check your device's notification settings to make sure that Race Roster notifications aren't blocked.
I accidentally blocked notifications. How can I change this?
You'll need to reset permissions in your browser or device settings:
- Chrome for desktop: Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Notifications
- Safari for desktop (on Mac): Safari → Settings → Websites → Notifications
- iPhone: Settings → Notifications → find the saved app
- Android: Settings → Apps → find the saved app → Notifications
What notifications will I receive?
You'll receive a notification when each followed participant completes their race (e.g., "Jane Doe has completed the Half Marathon").
Can I get notifications for multiple participants?
Yes. You'll receive a separate notification for each followed participant when they finish the race.
Do I need to keep the page open?
No, you do not need to keep the specific tracking page open, but behaviour varies slightly by device:
- On mobile: For the best experience, use the "Add to Home Screen" option. Once added, you will receive notifications exactly like a standard smartphone app, even if your browser and the app are completely closed.
- On desktop: You will receive notifications as long as your browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Edge) is running, even if you are on a different website or have closed the tracking tab.
Does this work for tablet?
Yes. Follow the instructions for your tablet's operating system (iPads use iPhone steps, Android tablets use Android steps).
Do notifications work for all events?
Push notifications must be enabled via Live Predictive Tracking by the event's timing company. If you don't see the "Notifications" button on the "Following" tab, then the feature isn't available for that event.
For general information about Live Predictive Tracking, see How To Set Up Predictive Tracking For My Event.