The 2005 Boston Marathon, April 18th will be covered by CBS Channel 4 and ABC Channel 5 with live coverage but Verizon Wireless will allow runners to register to send friends and family automatic wireless updates of their progress along the route.
Messages are automatically delivered to any wireless device capable of receiving text messages, providing real-time posting of runner position and time at each marker along the marathon route including the 10K, 1/2 Marathon, 30K and the finish line.
Information is gathered through an rfid chip called the ‘ChampionChip’ that is worn on a runner’s shoe from start to finish. The ChampionChip, which is approximately one-inch in diameter and virtually weightless, is pre-programmed with the bib number of the individual runner wearing it to accurately record time as the wearer passes over pre-assigned markers.
This is the second year Verizon Wireless has sponsored the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon. The carrier has signed on as the official telecommunications sponsor of the Marathon, which is organized annually by the BAA.
Verizon Wireless will outfit more than 350 Boston Marathon volunteers with Push to Talk phones that communicate with a simple push of a button. They are also providing high-speed wireless data air cards for use the aircards in laptops and handheld computers to keep track of runners through the Verizon Wireless Athlete Alert Program and to download and share other information during the race.
As the runner crosses the mat, their time and bib number is instantly transmitted via the wireless network to a Data Center where Verizon operates the Athletic Alert program. Using this system, runners can register up to two e-mail addresses for live updates when they cross checkpoints at the 10K, half-marathon and 30K marks and the finish line.
The Boston Marathon is among the world’s most lucrative sports events, pumping about $70 million into the local economy. Runners from every state and 52 countries will compete in the event, which will be televised in 200 countries. More than 15,000 runners will compete in the marathon with 500,000 spectators expected.
Security will be tight. Agencies involved include The State Police, Fire Department, National Guard, Emergency Management, Enhanced 911, the Mass Bay Transportation Authority, the FBI and FAA. They will work out of a Unified Command Center (UCC) at the headquarters of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
The Portland Marathon, in October, also uses The Chip. Chip timing included the start, 10k , half marathon and finish splits. The chip is also used to facilitate the calling of names of runners as they cross the finish line. Northwest race events like those are covered by The Race Center.
Broadband event coverage is back.
Red Bull puts a big chunk of their ad budget into events with spectacular broadband websites. Be a Red Bull Pilot or choose dozens of participatory events.
The Daytona 500 brought coverage direct from the front seat while Nascar wireless had live in-car and pit crew audio.
Dwango Wireless, a leading developer and publisher of mobile entertainment content for top lifestyle brands, is a partner in the Rap Olympics. Under the Rolling Stone Ringtones brand, Dwango Wireless will sponsor events, tours and messaging campaigns, beginning with the National Rap Olympics Freestyle Competition Finals taking place in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 16th and 17th, 2005.
