FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Or
Karen Smith
Verizon Wireless
(763) 595-2511
Verizon Wireless Sponsors Popular Runner Tracking Service For
Family and Friends of Grandma's Marathon Participants
Online Registration Begins June 7
(Duluth, Minn.) If you're looking to keep track of your favorite runners
during Grandma's Marathon weekend, Verizon Wireless has the perfect
solution.
Beginning June 7, family members and friends can log onto
www.GrandmasMarathon.com and simply enter the name(s) of the runner(s) they
want to track. They then will select whether they want the information
delivered by text message or email by entering a valid wireless phone
number or email address.
The tracking system, made possible through the support of Verizon Wireless,
enables the progress of Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half
Marathon participants to be tracked at a number of checkpoints along the
race course.
"The runner tracking technology has been tremendously popular and we expect
this year to be no different," said Laura Bergen, director of event and
program development for Grandma's Marathon. "Whether you are a fan waiting
at the finish line for a particular runner or someone hundreds of miles
away, capturing these updates is a simple and convenient way to stay
connected."
This marks the third year that Verizon Wireless is sponsoring runner
tracking via text messaging and email. The runner tracking service has
gained in popularity, growing from 4,000 spectators signing up in 2008 to
14,437 in 2009. In all, 58,500 messages were delivered last year during the
half-marathon and marathon events, compared to 37,000 in 2008.
The signup period runs through 6 p.m. Friday, June 18 by logging onto the
Grandma's Marathon Web site or by stopping by the Verizon Wireless booth at
the SMDC Health System Health and Fitness Expo on June 17 or 18.
This tracking technology is a joint effort between Grandma's Marathon,
Verizon Wireless, ChampionChip Minnesota and www.MarathonGuide.com.
In all, nearly 16,000 runners from around the world will participate in the
34th annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target,
Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth.
For more information visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.
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