Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for counting the number of occurrences that a mobile unit comes within range of a stationary unit. The invention is useful in counting the number of laps which a runner or swimmer completes through a course. In one aspect, the present invention includes a timer which, in cooperation with the information generated by the lap counter, produces information corresponding to the lap time, average minutes per mile and other such data. In a preferred embodiment, a stationary transmitter emits an infrared signal to create a zone of detection which triggers a receiving unit attached to the runner or swimmer each time the runner or swimmer passes through the zone of detection.