Social Distancing Tech for Marathon Runners

2020 London Marathon Staff and athletes wore social distancing technology around their neck during the event.

11:47 05 October 2020

The iconic London Marathon took place last weekend despite the coronavirus pandemic. It was participated by 100 elite competitors and organised by 500 event coordinators. To ensure everyone's safety, they wore a social distancing technology, which makes an audible alert when the wearer gets too close to others. 

 

The participants ran 19 laps of a closed course in St. James's Park, which was screened from public view. More than 450,000 non-elite runners also participated in a 24-hour virtual version of the event. 

 

Called the Bump, the device was designed by Tharsus, a robotics company based in Northumberland. It uses a radiofrequency technology allowing organisers to track when athletes and staff are within a defined distance of one another. 

 

Director Hugh Brasher said: "This weekend's event is the culmination of months of planning around how to deliver a socially distanced 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon that is safe for all participants and stakeholders,"

 

"This technology has played an important role, giving our athletes and internal teams extra confidence to engage with the event safely."