Suffolk Marathon Adds GPS Tracking

The Suffolk County Marathon wants to help spectators keep track of their favorite runners this year and help runners stay informed of their progress and much more by using the new app RaceJoy.

This is the first year the Suffolk County Marathon will be using the tool.

RaceJoy is an app that was created by runners that felt like there could be a better way to keep track of runners during a race so that the family does not miss them and runners can pace themselves while still being able to play music. RaceJoy is available on both Apple and Android devices and it is free to download. RaceJoy gives real time interaction between the participants and supporters for the whole race. What does this mean for spectators and runners?

For spectators, the app allows you to track up to 50 participants continuously throughout the race if they have the app and can send notifications to you when the runner is near with an approximate arrival time. It also has a feature that actually allows you to send pre-recorded messages and “text-to-cheer” messages that will be sent to the runner in an audio format so you can cheer them on even when you aren’t there.

For runners, this app tracks different types of data without decreasing the ability to run. The app sends audio messages about your progress, pace and estimated time arrival about every mile. When you finish it will send you the overall race results and results for just your division. All of these features are on the app and do not require extra accessories which is a cost effective way to do this race like a pro. It also allows you to still listen to music (with options to turn off notifications so that you are not bothered if you chose) and optimizes battery life so you should not need to recharge your batter throughout the race.

Mike Polansky, president of the Greater Long Island Running Club, said, “We are especially excited about the new RaceJoy program that we will be using this year to send progress updates to participants and spectators at every mile, with each runner’s elapsed time, pace an estimated finish time.”

This is the Catholic Health Services third annual Suffolk County Marathon and FreedomFest and this year will be held in Patchogue on October 29. FreedomFest is a family-friendly festival that starts after the race has begun and will have entertainment, local bands and locally produced food, wine and beer.

All net proceeds will go toward expanding and enhancing services for Suffolk County veterans; runners can sign up for Racejoy during the registration process.

Online registration is open until October 25 at 5 pm, at http://www.suffolkmarathon.com