Tata Consultancy Services, a title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and New York Road Runners (NYRR), has launched the official 2021 TCS New York City Marathon app.
For the first time, the new version of the app allows fans to simultaneously track runners on the racecourse as well as those who are competing virtually from anywhere in the world.
The 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon will take place on November 7 with the Virtual Marathon running from October 23 to November 7.
The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon App is a ‘true hybrid platform’ that enables in-person and virtual runners, along with their supporters and spectators, to share in the marathon experience.
Virtual runners will appear on the marathon course map in red, and in-person runners will be in blue. Elapsed time and pace will be available for all runners, at every 5K of their respective races.
‘In addition, a new Marathon City: 3D Map feature uses augmented reality (AR) technology to allow everyone to experience the marathon course map.’
Virtual runners can share their GPS location with two spectators, so they can be tracked wherever in the world they are running the marathon. All other spectators tracking virtual runners will see their location that corresponds with the distance they have covered on the TCS New York City Marathon racecourse.
The location and estimated finishing time of in-person runners will be calculated based on performance of training runs and past marathons. This enhanced tracking capability will aim to create the most accurate opportunities for spectators to catch runners live on the course.
“As we return to the iconic TCS New York City Marathon racecourse across the city’s five boroughs, we are witnessing the race experience transform like never before,” said Surya Kant, Chairman of North America, TCS.
“Our 2021 Marathon App is filled with innovations that will help make this year’s event a truly global experience, bringing both in-person participants as well as virtual runners across the world together on one platform.”
Christine Burke, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products, NYRR, said “Together with our title partner TCS, we are looking forward to making the 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon the most technologically advanced marathon in history.
“This will be a historic year for the event in so many ways, and as we embark on another eight years with TCS, there’s no better way to have them engage with our runners than through their most innovative marathon app ever.”
The TCS New York City Marathon app features additional enhancements to create a more immersive experience for virtual runners.
- At numerous dedicated mile markers in the virtual marathon, the app will automatically play audio files with words of encouragement from past marathoners and iconic sounds from the in-person race.
- The app will also allow virtual runners to do an unlimited number of 5K ‘practice runs’ prior to their marathon journey to ensure they are comfortable using the app on race day.
- On race day, virtual runners can restart or pause an unlimited number of times but have 24 hours to complete the 26.2-mile race.
- At the finish line, virtual runners will have access to a digital certificate and a selfie filter with an ‘AR medal’ that can be shared on social media to celebrate their accomplishment.
‘Runners, spectators and fans can also explore the TCS New York City Marathon course map in AR through the Marathon City: 3D Map. The interactive map shows the Start Village, elevation changes and points of interest along and around the racecourse.’
Other key features of the app include share tracking, spectator guides, cheer cards, and leaderboards.
The TCS New York City Marathon App powered by Tata Consultancy Services, can be downloaded at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
