Semtech, a supplier of semiconductors and advanced algorithms, has announced that its LoRa devices have been used to monitor runner safety at the annual Tor des Géants ultramarathon in Italy.
The company added that approximately 900 race participants were tracked in real time over hundreds of kilometres, providing support staff with accurate data to prevent injuries and lost runners.
Participants in the demanding Tor des Géants run more than 300km and cover over 24km of elevation change in less than 150 hours. For the fourth consecutive year, Semtech’s partner Everynet used the LoRa-based solution. This monitored runner location over the course of the event with the goal of helping guarantee participant safety and wellbeing.
Each runner was provided with a LoRa-based sensor that transmit real-time geolocation data to Everynet gateways deployed throughout the race’s course. Race organizers chose Everynet’s LoRa-based application as the race’s location in the Italian mountains leaves the course uncovered by cellular networks.
In addition, LoRa devices’ long-range capabilities and low power consumption provide ‘consistent and reliable data on runner location throughout the race’s week-long duration, with most devices using no more than 30 percent of its total battery capacity by the event’s conclusion.’
Following the introduction of Everynet’s application to the Tor des Géants, race staff have also been able to directly intervene on a number of occasions to ensure runner safety.
“With LoRaWAN-based connectivity, Everynet was able to simply and efficiently provide coverage to the entirety of Tor des Géants, including difficult terrain, without requiring additional network infrastructure,” said Antonio Terlizzi, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Everynet.
“Combining the strong network coverage of LoRaWAN with reliable tracking sensors provides race organizers with the accurate, consistent and real-time data necessary to keep runners safe and help ensure a successful event.”
Marc Pegulu, Vice President of IoT in Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group, said “The successful deployment of network infrastructure to cover Tor des Géants is an example of the proven flexibility and diversity of Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol.
“Solutions built on LoRa devices enable reliable and secure, long range IoT applications for use cases in nearly any possible vertical market. LoRa devices simplify IoT development, enabling Semtech customers, such as Everynet, to deliver high value solutions to effectively address market need.”
