FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laurie Davison
Marketing and Communications
(613) 277-2980
National Capital Race Weekend
launches state-of-the-art interactive course map
Customizing options and course video bring technology and
running together in new ways
November 3rd – Ottawa, Ontario – 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 web design firm 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.
National Capital Race Weekend President Susan Longbottom says this the goal
of this new tool is to anticipate the needs of runners and provide 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 creating the interactive 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 created a way for runners to experience the race
course virtually. It's the first running organization to use technology to
create a truly interactive experience for runners – before the race."
"Now a runner in Dallas 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," says Tackaberry. "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 who will host 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 also provide
an opportunity for international visitors to get to know the city as well
as the race.
"It give us a chance to show off all the best parts of our course – how
fast, flat and beautifully scenic it is," adds Race Weekend President,
Susan Longbottom. "They'll enjoy the run – and now they can be prepared for
it too."
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.
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