TCS New York City Marathon App, powered by Tata Consultancy Services, is now available for download with true second-screen experience for race day
Mastercard Earpiece Radios to bring real-time updates to spectators in finish area
New York, October 25, 2023 – The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon will be the most technologically advanced marathon in the world as a new series of activations are being rolled out to elevate the fan and spectator experience for what is already the world’s biggest and boldest marathon.
“The TCS New York City Marathon is already New York’s biggest block party, and New York Road Runners has seen unprecedented demand and attention for the race this year,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners (NYRR). “We are thrilled to be launching new activations that will elevate the fan and spectator experience further – whether it be for those following the marathon for the first time or those who have been part of our running community for decades. Through the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App enhancements, Mastercard Earpiece Radios, and other activations along the course and at the Expo, we can now bring running fans closer to the action.”
Here is a look at the new and enhanced activations surrounding the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, which is expected to draw more than 50,000 runners Sunday, November 5.
TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon App powered by Tata Consultancy Services, now available for download, will allow spectators to track the progress of an unlimited number of participants. This year, an increased number of timing mats will make the tracking technology even more accurate. Cameras will be placed at five strategic locations along the route – at the start, on Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, First Avenue in Manhattan, mile 20 in the Bronx, and the finish line – so app users can watch runners from wherever they are.
The mobile app’s uninterrupted professional athlete race livestream will be taken to the next level this year as a true second screen experience with exclusive live commentary available from Olympians Des Linden and Galen Rupp, and Paralympian Amanda McGrory. In addition, graphics with TCS Stats will highlight the pace of the lead packs, weather, and interesting historical facts.
For the first time, the mobile app will also include a sustainability survey, allowing runners and fans to measure their environmental impact during race weekend, and educating them to make greener choices.
Nearly three million people have downloaded the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App over the 10 years that it has been created by TCS, with runners being tracked 1,940,777 times last year.
“The TCS New York City Marathon course traverses vibrant, diverse neighborhoods filled with millions of roaring fans – it’s where the world comes to celebrate running,” said Suresh Muthuswami, Chairman of North America, TCS. “This year, technology enhancements will elevate the experience for everyone – whether they are conquering 26.2 miles of New York City streets, celebrating on the sidewalks, or tracking runners on the award-winning app.”
Mastercard Earpiece Radios
For the first time at any major marathon, Mastercard cardholders spectating from the finish area in Central Park will have access to earpiece radios that allow them to listen to the live WABC-TV/ESPN2 broadcast for real-time updates. NYRR is working with Live Sports Radio to provide the infrastructure, frequency, and earpieces.
Live New Balance UGC Mobile Feeds
For the first time, runners in the Start Village and spectators cheering from miles 8, 16, 20, 23, and 26 will be able to feed their phone cameras to large jumbotrons using on-screen QR codes, showcasing their runner or cheer squad onto screens sponsored by New Balance. NYRR is working with SportsMedia Technology and the Famous Group on the production and infrastructure.
Interactive Selfie Stations
Fans at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance and TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion Presented by Mastercard will have the opportunity to capture user-generated content with professional athletes through new interactive selfie stations provided by SportsMedia Technology. These screens allow users to select from four notable runners who then walk onto the screen for a selfie with the user. TCS will bring this activation to their booth at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo and the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion.
Citizens Stage
A new Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo, sponsored by NYRR’s latest Foundation Level partner, will host three days of panels and sessions featuring special guests from the running industry and local community, as well as professional athletes and legends of the sport.
United Airlines Interactive Map
To demonstrate and celebrate the global scale of the marathon, United Airlines will invite runners at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo to visit their activation zone and engage with a new interactive map powered in partnership with TCS. After runners scan their bib, the map will activate and light up the runner’s hometown, creating a cumulative display throughout the weekend.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
