Posted: November 3, 2004

Athletics: National Capital Race Weekend launches state-of-the-art interactive course map

November 02, 2004 - Ottawa:

Customizing options and course video bring technology and running together in new ways

Organizers of the National Capital Race Weekend today launched the most sophisticated interactive course map ever designed, allowing runners to prepare race-day strategies with customized course maps.

The web feature, created by Ottawa-based 76 Design, puts a new spin on traditional course maps, allowing runners a different view of the routes for the ING Ottawa Marathon, MDS Nordion 10k or any of the other seven races of the event, held on May 28-29th 2005.

Unlike the course maps provided by most international races, this new tool allows runners to customize their marathon course map, choosing from a list of features such as kilometre markers, elevation charts and the locations of water stations, medical stations and even entertainment stations. As well, runners can watch a three-minute video of the course while a synchronized animated marker takes them through the course map.

Some might think of a this tool as no more then a ‘web toy’ – but for National Capital Race Weekend President Susan Longbottom it’s about providing a service to race participants.

“Whether they’re running for 30 minutes or six hours - runners need to be able to plan their race – when to take water, when to take it easy and when to really push yourself,” says Longbottom. “The more information a runner has about the course the better equipped they are to plan for a great finishing time. We want all of our runners to have the information they need to run their personal best in Ottawa next May.”

For 76Design Vice President Brett Tackaberry the new map was about using the latest web technology in an innovative way for a booming sports market.

“Interaction has long been the promise of technology. But to date it’s really only had great success in imparting information. Until now,” says Tackaberry. “We have found a way to allow runners to experience the race course, virtually. It’s the first race of its kind to use technology to create a truly interactive experience for runners.”

“Now a runner in Dallas Texas training for the ING Ottawa Marathon won’t have to wait until he gets here next May to see the route he’s going to run. We’ve brought the race to the runners. They can actually experience the course without even lacing up their running shoes.”

The out-of-town runner can also get a look at the city that plays host to this world-class event. The map highlights 25 of Ottawa’s most scenic and historic tourism spots – all of them on the ING Ottawa Marathon route. Information about hotels and the annual Sport and Fitness Expo provide an opportunity for international visitors to get to know the city as well as the race.

For Longbottom and the event organizers it’s all about making race day all it can be for the runners.

“It give us a chance to show off all the best parts of our course – how fast, flat and beautifully scenic it is. They’ll enjoy the run – and now they can be prepared for it too.”

Check out the new map at: www.ncm.ca.

About the National Capital Race Weekend

The National Capital Race Weekend, Canada's premier running festival, combines competition, participation and fundraising to make a distinctive contribution to the health of the community. The Race Weekend has over 24,000 participants in 9 races, including the ING Ottawa Marathon and half marathon and the MDS Nordion 5K and 10K. It is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. The 2005 event is the site of the Canadian Marathon Championships and the Canadian Forces Running Championships. The Race Weekend is scheduled for the May 27-29, 2005.