NYRR Launches ING New York City Marathon Mobile Spectator App

NEW YORK – New York Road Runners, in partnership with MapMyRun, has launched the ING New York City Marathon Mobile Spectator App presented by Subway for the Sunday, November 6, 2011 event.

The app aims to bring the ultimate spectator experience to all fans – whether they're watching the race from city sidewalks or following the action from across the country or around the world. The free, first-of-its-kind app in the running space is available for download across multiple platforms including the iPhone, iPad and Android devices. A premium version of the app is also available for $2.99.

The ING New York City Marathon Mobile Spectator App is the first running app to integrate both RFID chip timing and GPS technology to allow the real-time tracking of race participants. App users can live-track 10 participants simultaneously-whether friends, professional runners or celebrities.

In another first, runners who download the app and choose to run with their smartphone can be tracked in real-time based on their GPS location. The app is intended to enhance the overall race-week experience for both runners and spectators by providing information about special events and offers from partners in advance of the race and on Marathon Sunday.

ING New York City Marathon Mobile Spectator App features include:

* Live streaming of the men's and women's professional races (premium)
* Live streaming of NBC4 New York's race broadcast (premium)
* Live tracking of 10 runners simultaneously (premium)
* Interactive course map, including special offers from race partners and NYC visitor information
* Official photo and video gallery
* Professional athlete leader board with athlete profiles

The interactive course map also allows for integrations with NYRR's marathon partners at points of interest along the course route. The map will pinpoint locations of cheer zones, entertainment, activations and giveaways for spectators including the ING Cheer Zone, Time Warner Cable Cheer Zone, Emerald Nuts sampling, and access to ASICS digital message board, among others.

During race week and on Marathon Sunday, partners are able to inform spectators of special offers based on geo-location technology. Sponsor integrations include:

* Grana Padano Cheese Tour: The premier Italian cheese will be hosting a tour at specialty shops around New York City for sampling events during race week. Participants will be sent a message when they are in the vicinity of select shops.
* Nissan: In the two weeks leading up the Marathon (October 24-November 5), the Nissan LEAF Breathe Easy Tour will make stops throughout the city. The mobile app will alert users to the tour stops to check out the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, enter to win an all-electric vehicle and receive free 2011 ING New York City Marathon gear.
* Dunkin' Donuts: On race day, when spectators are near select Dunkin' Donuts stores along the course, they will be messaged to come inside for a free Dunkin Donuts beanie.
* Coors Light: Coors Light is promoting their Race to Refreshment program, hosting race-day parties at more than 20 bars along the Marathon route.
* Subway: Subway is offering food specials at seven stores along the route and sponsoring three cheering sections.

In addition to the Mobile Spectator App, the TrackMyRunners^TM feature provides spectators and fans additional options for following their runners. For no charge, up to five runners can be tracked via the web and for $2.99 up to three runners can be tracked via SMS text.

For more information, go to: www.INGnycmarathon.org/Join_In.htm