FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Verizon Wireless to Offer Runner Tracking at Grandma's Marathon
Registration Runs June 8-19 Online for Family
and Friends of Race Participants
(Duluth, Minn.) If you're looking to keep an eye on the progress of your
favorite runners during Grandma's Marathon weekend, Verizon Wireless has
the perfect solution.
A tracking system will enable race fans to receive periodic runner updates
through a text message or an e-mail. These updates, made possible by
Verizon Wireless, will be accessible for all participants running in the
2009 Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, both on June 20.
Beginning June 8, family members and friends can log onto
GrandmasMarathon.com and simply enter the name(s) of the runner(s) they
want to track. They will be able to choose whether they want to receive the
information through text message or e-mail by entering a valid wireless
phone number or email address.
The signup period for 2009 runs through 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19 by
logging onto the Grandma's Marathon web site or by stopping by the Verizon
Wireless booth at the SMDC Health System Health and Fitness Expo on
Thursday and Friday, June 18-19.
"By extending the signup period through June 19, we expect even more family
and friends to track runners via text messaging this year," said Nancy B.
Clark, president-Verizon Wireless Great Plains Region. "As a 17-year
sponsor of Grandma's Marathon weekend, we are pleased to provide new data
communications services to enhance the race weekend for all participants
and their fans."
This marks the second year that major sponsor Verizon Wireless is
sponsoring runner tracking via text messaging and e-mail. Last year, the
service proved popular with more than 4,000 spectators signing up and more
than 9,000 e-mails and nearly 28,000 text messages delivered during the
half marathon and marathon.
"The runner tracking technology was a wonderful addition to our event last
year and we are excited to showcase this unique program again in 2009,"
said Laura Bergen, director of event and program development for Grandma's
Marathon. "Having access to runner updates in virtual real-time is a great
way check the progress of a family member or friend on the course."
This enhanced tracking technology is a joint effort between Grandma's
Marathon, Verizon Wireless, ChampionChip Minnesota and MarathonGuide.com.
In all, nearly 17,000 runners and 50,000 race fans from around the world
will participate in the 33rd annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is
presented by Target, Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth.
For more information, visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218)
727-0947.
###
|
