Remote Runner Tracking Among Spectator-Friendly Technology Available for Marine Corps Marathon

QUANTICO, VA- The 31st Marine Corps Marathon will offer spectators new technology and twice the split mat locations to effectively track runners throughout race day on Sunday, October 29. All 34,000 runners will be provided a single use chip that upon contact with the eight timing mats will relay the participant’s pace, time and location.

Remote Runner Tracking, now available for registration on www.marinemarathon.com, allows spectators to receive split times and finish information as it happens via text message, pager or email. This free service helps spectators follow runners throughout the course and meet them for the celebration at the finish line. Spectators will be updated at each of the split locations on the course (start, 5 mile, 10 mile, 13.1 mile, 15 mile, 20 mile and 23.5 mile markers) and also at the finish line.

Family, friends and spectators can also take advantage of the Cisco Check Your Runners Stations on race day to obtain real time split results for runners. Located at the 13.1 mile mark, the Crystal City Street Spectacular and the Finish Festival in Rosslyn, the Check Your Runner Stations allows spectators to input a runner’s bib number or last name and check for pace times and results.

“Over the years, the MCM has remained on the cutting edge of race technology,” said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. “I am proud to see this element of the MCM continue to evolve and provide greater service to spectators as they cheer and motivate their runners throughout the course.”

A new technology feature at the MCM finish line is the USAA Map Track booth. Located just behind the bleachers at the finish line, the USAA Map Track booth will offer spectators a real-time representation of a runner’s progress on a simplified MCM Course Map, based on pace time data. Multiple runners may be tracked on the same map. USAA Map Track is also available online on race day at www.marinemarathon.com

Voted “Best Marathon for Families” by HerSports Magazine, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname “The People’s Marathon.” The 31st Marine Corps Marathon to be held on October 29, 2006 in Arlington, VA is presented by USAA, Brooks Sports, Inc., and Cisco Systems. Visit marinemarathon.com for more information.

For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or
Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil.
Beth Cline
Public Relations Coordinator
Phone: 703-432-1165
Fax: 703-784-2265
www.marinemarathon.com