Connected fitness specialist iFIT has announced multi-year partnerships with the organizations behind four of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It has become the Official Connected Treadmill and Digital Fitness Content Subscription partner of the Boston, Chicago, London and New York City marathons.
These partnerships expand iFIT’s content strategy, which aims to engage subscribers through interactive workouts. Starting this autumn/fall, iFIT subscribers will be able to run all four marathons virtually (with footage shot on location during the actual races) on their connected treadmills, paced by iFIT trainers.
Beginning at the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon on October 3, a film crew will run each marathon from the starting gun to the finish line. The iFIT crew will capture video, sound and the excitement of the experience from a runner’s point of view on race day, coached by an on-camera iFIT trainer.
- The Virgin Money London Marathon will be paced by trainer Casey Gilbert
- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be paced by trainer Ashley Paulson
- The Boston Marathon will be paced by trainer Heather Jensen
- The TCS New York City Marathon will be paced by trainer Knox Robinson
Following the marathons, iFIT will offer its members an on-demand, multi-part workout series with the option to run each marathon in individual workout segments or as an entire 26.2-mile course.
The iFIT Marathon Series will be released throughout the autumn/fall marathon season, with the Boston Marathon Series slated to launch around October 21, 2021.
“The combination of the iconic Boston, Chicago, London and New York City Marathons with iFIT’s interactive platform elevates runners around the globe to a new dimension in their race and preparation,” said Mark Watterson, Chief Experience Officer of iFIT.
“It’s an honour for iFIT to be the official Connected Treadmill Training Partner and Digital Fitness Content Subscription Partner for these iconic races.”
He continued, “Our mission is to create the world’s most comprehensive health and fitness platform for our millions of dedicated iFIT members, and we do this by creating one-of-a-kind content. These partnerships further bring our vision to life as our members have the opportunity to take to the streets of Boston, Chicago, London and New York City, and run iFIT streaming workouts of the world’s elite marathons on their treadmill.”
iFIT’s patented interactive technology automatically adjusts the speed, incline and decline of its NordicTrack, ProForm and Freemotion treadmills. This matches the natural topography throughout each race course, including the famed Heartbreak Hill at mile 18 of the Boston Marathon, Tower Bridge in London just before halfway, and the Central Park finish of the TCS New York City Marathon.
iFIT interactivity enables runners to participate in immersive marathon experiences on their NordicTrack, ProForm and Freemotion treadmills. Those without iFIT-enabled equipment, or no equipment at all, are also able to participate in the workouts using the company’s mobile app or TV app.
“The B.A.A.’s mission for more than a century has been the pursuit of athletic excellence and the promotion of healthy lifestyles through sports, especially running,” said Tom Grilk, President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association).
“Together with iFIT, we look to expand fitness offerings and help participants reach their health and fitness goals.”
Christine Burke, NYRR Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products, said “We are excited to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership with iFIT, allowing iFIT members to experience the thrill of running New York’s iconic five-borough course.
“Together, we will enhance our runners’ experience by providing them new ways to prepare for our race, and keep them active and engaged during their entire training cycle.”
Subscription technology company iFIT has a growing community of over 6 million members in over 120 countries. Its brands – NordicTrack, ProForm, Sweat, Freemotion, Weider and 29029 – are powered by the company’s integrated health and fitness platform. This connects its proprietary software, experiential content and interactive hardware.
Based in Logan, Utah, with offices in Paris, Shanghai, Sydney and Leeds, the company offers ‘immersive, adaptive, personalized workout experiences’.
