Courtesy: event press release

Text messaging, streaming video and instant Web access to race results will set the pace through interactive technology features for participants and fans alike at the 2005 HP Houston Marathon Jan. 16.

Friends and family of participating runners again can use the HP Athlete Tracking System for the 2005 HP Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the Houston Press 5K. The system will deliver updates on runners' progress through text message/email alerts to personal computers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants or hand-held computers. Runners can register friends and family members on the event Web site, www.hphoustonmarathon.com, to receive updates each time a runner crosses a specified checkpoint along the course.

After the race, runners can compare their performance to the field using HP Graphic Results, an added enhancement this year. Runners can log on to the event Web site to review results and split times, and compare results through dynamic graphics and course displays.

"This is a new way for participants to measure their race against other runners and get instant access to results," said Michael Gnoinski, technology committee chairman of the HP Houston Marathon. "We piloted the technology last year and received more than 80,000 page views during the week following the race. It's an innovative way for runners to review their race."

Also new this year is streaming video of the finish line. A link to a live video feed will be available on the HP Athlete Tracking page of the marathon Web site throughout the race. This feature will allow out-of-town friends and family to now "see" their runner cross the finish line.

In addition, the event Web site will offer real-time commentary on how the elite men's and women's races are unfolding in both the marathon and half marathon. Race updates will be posted every 15 minutes to allow fans to follow the race.

"Technology, and the benefits it provides to both our participants and the fans of our race, is an important part of the HP Houston Marathon experience," said race director Brant Kotch. "We believe these interactive race features are key elements of what makes our event special."

Technology also benefits the event's "Run for a Reason" program. Runners can us the online donation capability - first debuted last year on the event Web site - to help solicit support. Donations are up 30 percent this year compared to this time in 2003.