Posted: December 17, 2004

Athletics: Technology Gives Runners, Spectators New View of 2005 HP Houston Marathon

HOUSTON - (Dec. 13, 2004) - Text messaging, streaming video and instant web access to race results will set the pace through interactive technology features for participants and fans alike at the 2005 HP Houston Marathon Jan. 16.

Friends and family of participating runners again can use the HP Athlete Tracking System for the 2005 HP Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the Houston Press 5K. The system will deliver updates on runners' progress through text message/email alerts to personal computers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants or hand-held computers. Runners can register friends and family members on the event website - www.hphoustonmarathon.com - to receive updates each time a runner crosses a specified checkpoint along the course.

After the race, runners can compare their performance to the field using HP Graphic Results, an added enhancement this year. Runners can log on to the event website to review results and split times, and compare results through dynamic graphics and course displays.

"This is a new way for participants to measure their race against other runners and get instant access to results," said Michael Gnoinski, technology committee chairman of the HP Houston Marathon. "We piloted the technology last year and received more than 80,000 page views during the week following the race. It's an innovative way for runners to review their race."

Also new this year is streaming video of the finish line. A link to a live video feed will be available on the HP Athlete Tracking page of the marathon website throughout the race. This feature will allow out-of-town friends and family to now "see" their runner cross the finish line.

In addition, the event website will offer real-time commentary on how the elite men's and women's races are unfolding in both the marathon and half-marathon. Race updates will be posted every 15 minutes to allow fans to follow the race.

"Technology, and the benefits it provides to both our participants and the fans of our race, is an important part of the HP Houston Marathon experience," said race director Brant Kotch. "We believe these interactive race features are key elements of what makes our event special."

Technology also benefits the event's "Run for a Reason" program. Runners can us the online donation capability - first debuted last year on the event website - to help solicit support. Donations are up 30 percent this year compared to this time in 2003.

The HP Houston Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is the nation's premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and nearly 20 foreign countries. In 2004, more than 18,000 runners took part in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half-marathon, 5K and children's run). This year, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon hosts the USA Men's Championship and a top American field is expected.

The HP Houston Marathon offers the only closed marathon course in Texas and is ranked among the top five in the nation by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston's largest single-day sporting event.

For more information or to register, visit hphoustonmarathon.com..

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.