New York Road Runners announced that its upcoming TCS New York City Marathon will be the most “technologically advanced” race to date.
According to the local running organization, this year’s iteration of the world’s largest marathon will utilize several technological activations created to enhance the fan and spectator experience.
Similar to year’s past, the running event will incorporate the TCS New York City Marathon App, a mobile application that allows spectators to track the progress of race participants.
This year’s version of the app comes with a number of new features and improvements, including an increased number of timing mats that makes tracking participants more accurate; a sustainability survey; along with stat graphics that highlight runner pace, weather, and interesting historical facts; to name a few.
For the first time ever, the New York City Marathon will be offering special earpiece radios to Mastercard cardholders spectating at the finish area.
The earpieces will enable attendees waiting at the end of the race to listen in on the live WABC-TV/ESPN2 broadcast of the marathon, which will provide updates in real time.
Another brand new addition to the event this year is the utilization of live mobile feeds, in which both runners and spectators can broadcast the race from their phone cameras onto large jumbotron screens during certain points of the marathon.
Other activations that attendees can take part in during the event include selfie stations, an interactive map, as well as numerous panels and discussions, among others.
“We are thrilled to be launching new activations that will elevate the fan and spectator experience further – whether it be for those following the marathon for the first time or those who have been part of our running community for decades,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners (NYRR).
“Through the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App enhancements, Mastercard Earpiece Radios, and other activations along the course and at the Expo, we can now bring running fans closer to the action.”
