Runners all around the world are preparing themselves for one of the most highly-anticipated events on the running calendar – the Boston Marathon. Not only is it the world’s oldest annual marathon with the first race having been held way back in 1897, it’s also considered one of the six World Marathon Majors.
The Boston Marathon is considered by many serious runners as an absolute bucket-list item, whether they’re attempting to tick off all six World Majors or just Boston.
With about 30,000 participants enduring the gruelling route from Hopkinton in the southern part of Middlesex County to Copley Square in the city of Boston, race organisers are tasked with an incredible amount of preparation in order to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
What Are the Six World Majors?
For non-runners, the idea of running 42 kilometres may sound like hell, but to those who have take on the challenge and completed it successfully, it brings a sense of achievement that is hard to replicate by other means.
That’s why one of the most common tropes in the running community is people setting out to complete a marathon and saying they only want to do one, and then going to complete several more after the fact. The accomplishment is incomparable, and it may be the best example of how real and effective the good old “runner’s high” really is.
It’s safe to say that that’s where the idea of introducing the Six World Majors came from. That is, what could be cooler than surviving multiple marathons? Well, running the six most iconic marathons in the world, of course!
So, which races are included in the World Marathon Majors? Well, as of 2006, the running challenge includes:
- Boston Marathon
- London Marathon
- Berlin Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- New York Marathon
- Tokyo Marathon
Thus, in 2006, the Six Star Finishers’ Medal entered the equation, and as of 2023, 12, 772 people have achieved the title of an Abbott Six Star Finisher.
Technology Used in Race Organisation
Organising sporting events is a massive task that involves loads of planning and logistics, and these days, plenty of technology is involved in making these days a success.
In addition to the devices and high-tech gadgets used by participants – like fancy running watches, carbon-plated shoes, heart-rate monitors and more – organisers also implement various types of technology to help before the event, on the day and afterwards too.
Online Registration and Management Software
One of the biggest logistical nightmares in race organisation is managing registration. These days, it’s all online, but for massive, popular races like the Six Majors that have limited entries, it can be really complicated to make sure things run smoothly.
That’s why they’ve developed special customised platforms for runners to be able to register for the races, including opportunities to fill in all their relevant details, make payments and more.
Of course, a common problem for event entries and just general ticket purchases on a large scale is when websites crash. Thus, race organisers are constantly finding ways to make the registration process quicker, easier and more streamlined by means of advanced programming and software that helps effectively manage the load.
RFID Chip Timing
Arguably the most important technology used during marathons and other competitive races is RFID chip technology. RFID (radio-frequency identification) chip technology uses radio waves to identify and track objects by means of the chip and the RFID reader.
Basically, each runner has an RFID chip – either embedded in their race number or inserted into their shoe, depending on the event. Along the route, there will be various RFID readers that’ll be able to pick up when the chip (and the runner) passes them, and finally, there will be one last reader at the finish line to record runners’ precise finish times.
The reason behind using these chips is twofold. First, to accurately track runners’ times in an alternative way to the past – that is, often the “gun-to-mat” approach was used but there was very little accuracy involved.
Second, RFID chips allow organisers to ensure that all runners have indeed completed the entire route without cheating or taking any shortcuts as their chips will pick up if they haven’t passed through certain checkpoints.
Ultimately, RFID chips and sensors have increased the accuracy of racing tracking, and the technology has also made it more fair.
Mobile Applications
Some big races have their own dedicated mobile applications that participants and spectators alike can download. Before the race, runners will be able to find all the information they need about the upcoming event, and during the race, friends and family will be able to track their loved ones’ progress.
These apps tend to use data collected by RFID chips and sensors along with GPS technology, also making it easier for organisers to keep track of where all participants are for both safety and logistical purposes.
Drones and Aerial Photography
Drones have plenty of different applications, and now, they’re being used to capture footage of sporting events from a birds-eye-view. It’s mostly used for live coverage and aerial photography.
However, at big events like the Six Majors, and especially after the horrific Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, drone tech is also being used for surveillance purposes.
Data Analytics and AI
Race organisers deal with a massive amount of data both before and after the race. Before the race, they’re dealing with runners who have entered the event, along with all their details, as well as demographic information and a whole lot more.
After the race, they’re tasked with organising all the information, categorising people’s achievements, deciphering who earned permanent numbers, who gets a Six Star Finishers’ Medal and so on.
That’s why advanced data analytics and AI technology have become so useful these days because all the information can just be plugged into the software and organisers can get whatever information they need out of it without the need for manual analysis and organisation.
Secure Payment Systems
Race entries also require payments to be made via the relevant websites, so race organisers have had to find and make use of the payment system of their choice to make this happen. It means making use of a secure platform that is 3D secure, ensuring that not only the money from all transactions is safe, but also all the entrants’ personal details and information.
Race Organisation and Tech Used at Boston Marathon
While all large events, both sporting and otherwise, require a great deal of organisation, management and logistics in order to be successful, sporting events require just a little more detail and complexity.
Since events like massive races involve not only thousands of people but an invitation to be competitive too, it’s imperative that organisers are able to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
And when it comes to the Six Majors, there’s even more skin in the game. Participants spend months training for marathons, blow large amounts of money travelling to the relevant cities and get excited about participating in some of the premier sporting events in the world.
That’s why proper organisation is so important, and that’s why using technology to get things right is key.
