This document discusses how technology has evolved over time to help track runners participating in the Boston Marathon. It describes how chip timing was initially introduced tied to shoelaces to more easily track runners, and how internet and mobile tracking apps now allow for real-time updates on runners' progress and easy connections between runners and spectators during and after the race. Social media has also become increasingly important for sharing information and news in real time.

1. Terri Rutkiewicz
MSPC 3550 Spring 2013
Final Project

2. • First use of Champion Chip Timing & Scoring Device
• Tied to shoelace
• Easier to track the 38,000 + runners
• Helped eliminate cheating
• Limited online computer tracking for spectators
• Maybe a few runners had mobile phones

3. • Race results still available on the internet with
updates from 11 checkpoints, searchable by name or
bib number
• Runners’ progress sent to up to 2 email accounts
• Messages automatically sent after runner/chip
crossed at 4 checkpoints
• Compaq reps “Ask me About Your Runner” along the
course with handheld devices (iPAQs with wireless PC
card that connects to the internet)
• More runners with mobile phones

4. • New style chip attached to back of each runner’s bib
(size of 3 postage stamps)
• 27,000 runners
• 11 Checkpoints
• Many runners with mobile phones – easier to
connect with spectators during and after the race

5. • BAA interactive website
• AT&T Athlete Alert (alerts sent as runner crosses 10k,
½ marathon, 30K, & finish line)
• Marathon Mobile App (NEW)
• Sunday finish line photos (NEW)
• AT&T text to screen
• Free calling stations along the route
• Free Wi-Fi
• Runners & spectators can still text, tweet & upload
photos during the race

7. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages

8. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages
• Runners can take photos and post during the race
using mobile phones

9. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages
• Runners can take photos and post during the race
using mobile phones
• Instant news via social network sites

10. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages
• Runners can take photos and post during the race
using mobile phones
• Instant news via social network sites
• Real time race viewing via BAA website

11. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages
• Runners can take photos and post during the race
using mobile phones
• Instant news via social network sites
• Real time race viewing via BAA website
• Text 2 Screens

12. • Easier to track runners
• Internet tracking
• Mobile device tracking app
• Athlete alert email messages
• Runners can take photos and post during the race
using mobile phones
• Instant news via social network sites
• Real time race viewing via BAA website
• Text 2 Screens
• Easier for runners and spectators to connect during
and after the race

13. According to abc News
• News Breaks
• Details Emerge, Eliciting Strong Personal Reaction
• Support Forums for Communities

14. According to abc News
• News Breaks
• Details Emerge, Eliciting Strong Personal Reaction
• Support Forums for Communities
According to Scientific American

15. According to abc News
• News Breaks
• Details Emerge, Eliciting Strong Personal Reaction
• Support Forums for Communities
According to Scientific American
According to CBS News

16. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1596675537/New-chip-to-keep-better-track-
of-Boston-Marathon-runners
http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/running/events/marathon-race-
timing2.htm
http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/articles/2010/04/16/technology/
http://www.geek.com/mobile/track-the-runners-via-e-mail-543330/
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24025&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=36268
http://www.baa.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Marathon
http://216.235.243.43/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2013/04/boston-marathon-bombing-the-waves-
of-social-media-reaction/
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-calamity-
shows-value-of-social-media/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57579692/boston-marathon-with-no-phones-
text-and-social-media-help-get-out-updates/