Posted: June 8, 2006

Athletics: Cellcom Green Bay Marathon, ChampionChip Make History: A Timing Mat Every Mile

From: Sean Ryan, Race Director

GREEN BAY, Wis. - The 7th Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in partnership with ChampionChip timing made road running history on Sunday, May 21, 2006 as the first marathon in the country to provide a timing mat every mile on the course.

ChampionChip provided 28 independent timing locations on the marathon course including the start line, each mile marker, an announcer mat and the finish line. In addition, 18 of the timing locations relayed live results thru the title sponsor's wireless network. Family and friends received live text messages and emails on their cell phones and computers detailing the progress of runners as the event progressed as well.

"We're thrilled that we were able to make this happen," said Sean Ryan, race director. "It was a nice perk for the runners to be able to see their own split times and those of fellow runners for each and every mile without having to rely on their watches. We're extremely grateful to ChampionChip and Cellcom for helping making this dream a reality."

Mike Proctor of Sports Management Associates, the timing contractor for the event, said the mat-a-mile initiative succeeded due to the combined talents of ChampionChip timers and the technological personnel at Cellcom and NetNet.

"This was a win for everyone involved," said Proctor.

Cellcom, the title sponsor of the event, is a regional wireless provider in northeast Wisconsin. Cellcom's sister company NetNet, an Internet service provider, assisted with the technological execution.

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon, recently selected as one of the ten most enjoyable marathons in the country for 2006 by "Runner's World" magazine, has generated more than $135,000 in proceeds for local charities since its inception. The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon seeks to create community spirit thru a world-class marathon for people of all athletic abilities.

To see the individual splits for the marathon runners, visit CellcomGreenBayMarathon.com and click on results.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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