Event registration firm RunSignup has announced Fred Sommer, founder of Sommer Sports in Clermont, Florida, as the recipient of the 2025 Alan Jones Timer of the Year Award.
Presented at RunSignup’s Timer Education Summit, the award recognizes Sommer’s 42 years of commitment to endurance sports events.
“Fred’s leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions to the timing and endurance event community make him a truly deserving recipient of this award,” said Bob Bickel, founder and CEO of RunSignup. “We are very pleased to recognize someone who has made such a meaningful difference in our industry.”
A pioneer in triathlon event production and timing, Fred Sommer played a foundational role in growing the sport. His Great Floridian Long Distance Triathlon was once the largest in the world before the rise of IRONMAN. Over the years, Sommer has adapted, expanding his events to include duathlons, night races, and other creative formats that engage a broad spectrum of athletes.
Most recently, Sommer has embraced trail events, partnering with Florida’s park systems to create new outdoor experiences.
RunSignup’s annual Alan Jones Timer Award is intended to recognize an industry race timer who has made a significant impact on improving the race community. The award is named in honour of Alan Jones, who is an acknowledged innovator and is most known for his creation of the Jones Counter and RunScore.
As the backbone of the race industry, RunSignup notes that timers have an opportunity to guide race organizers toward innovation and to elevate the experience for participants and spectators. Selection for the Alan Jones Timer Award is based on nominations received.
