the manual start is to start the timing function of the camera at time resolution of 1/10 second or 1 second. There are separate programs that allow you to time using the space bar to take a time on the computer, you need to have the button interface in Hy-tek to do that.
There is a free ware meet manageent program that has a built in timing function (race Tab 3.xx) that will do what you want and handles cross country meets well.
Using the actal camera to time the race will give you an accurate record of who finished where that can be checked if coaches question the results. Using an Identilynx camera as a stand alone would also work.