Matthew Smeltzer
Founder, Partner, Lead Timer
Whitefish, MT
I started running in August of 2009 and it was the following winter that I formed Competitive Timing. Competitive Timing was created with community in mind. I wanted to put on a couple races that raise money and awareness for local organizations. The timing part was the most fun for me and at the same time, realized that timing was not the most fun for the majority of race directors 🙂 The blend of office and field work, combined with the people I get to be surrounded by has made Competitive Timing a dream job for me. Because of the group of people I’ve surrounded myself with, running has become a major part of my life. Since July of 2012 I have run at least a 5k everyday and most days filled with many more miles.
Cory Kaufman
Partner, Lead Timer
Missoula, MT
Cory is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Messiah College while running competitively for his college’s cross country and track & field teams. Graduate school and a yearning for the west led him to Missoula, Montana where he earned a master’s in Exercise Physiology. After teaching as an adjunct instructor for a few years at the University of Montana, he started working for Competitive Timing in 2014 and partnered up with founder, Matthew Smeltzer in 2016. A lingering running injury led him to trade in his running shoes for his mountain and road bike. When not at the finish line computing results or chatting about your PR at the results kiosk, you can find him racing bikes, hitting trail, and talking about which trail is riding well or which cyclocross tire is best suited for the next race course.
Travis Hutchinson
Lead Timer
Billings, MT
Travis has resided in Billings for the past 20 years, running competitively for both Billings Senior High School and MSU-Billings, where he participated in 6 different GNAC Conference Championships. He found passion in the event management side of road races during an internship with the Big Sky State Games and Montana Amateur Sports, and has since gained 5 years of experience timing and directing races. Travis has switched to being a big fan of running the trails with his trusty pup, Kayak, but also enjoys knocking off a fast mile at the track every so often. Catch up with Travis at the end of your race and talk about runners from Montana or request any Taylor Swift song to be played, he’ll be more than happy to oblige.
Jessie Pappenfus
Lead Timer
Whitefish, MT
Jessie has lived in the Flathead Valley for 12 years and loves all its outdoor opportunities. She started running in 2007 and it slowly became a passion for her. Now running is a regular part of her lifestyle and activities. In addition to running she loves to ski, enjoying the slopes with her husband and 6 year old daughter. Jessie studied and taught music education before joining the team of Competitive Timing, and continues to teach piano lessons.
Jessica Peltier
Part-Time Lead Timer
Whitefish, MT
Jessica is a Montana native who has always loved fitness and the outdoors, but it wasn’t until after the birth of her first child that she really got into running. Armed with a jogging stroller, desire to get back into shape and a baby who refused to sleep unless he was moving, a love for distance running was formed. She loves the camaraderie within the running community and is inspired by the energy at finish lines. When Jessica isn’t training or timing races she can be found teaching fitness classes or enjoying everything the great outdoors of Montana has to offer with her family.
James Powers
Part-Time Lead Timer
Missoula, MT
James Powers has been helping CompetitiveTiming since early 2014. His professional background in business and technology has proven very beneficial as we continue to improve the services we offer to our customers. His experience in organizing and timing races allows him to successfully lead all aspects of an event. James has experience developing timing and registration software. When not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters as well as hiking in the mountains of Western Montana where he resides.
Marc Butenko
Part-Time Lead Timer
Helena, MT
Marc started as a part-time race timer for Competitive Timing in 2015 after retiring from a career in the IT field. He enjoys being active outside year-round, including mountain biking, backpacking, snowshoeing and XC skiing. He and his wife Kelli travel the western United States in Farley, their VW Eurovan Camper. They met at Washington State University and continue to attend most home football games. Go Cougs!
Jake Birch
Part-Time Lead Timer
Missoula, MT
A newcomer to running, Jake’s second lifetime race was his hometown New York Marathon, which he ran in just under 5 hours (including 30 minutes of waiting in line for porta potties). His love of the outdoors and his big sky loving better half brought him to Montana. Together they live in Missoula, reveling in watching their daughter grow up, while squeezing in time for belly rubs and dog runs with their pup.