The technological side of road racing is on the fast track. Many runners and walkers want data and the more, the better

Joaquin Lara

The AJC Peachtree Road Race has changed a lot over the past 10 years, both in look and in execution. In fact, it wasnt until 2009 that every single participant of the worlds largest 10K was electronically chip-timed. This year, Atlanta Track Club is offering a 5K split time for each participant in addition to the finish time, and friends and family can receive updates on their runners progress in multiple ways.

The Club provided a 5K split as a test during the 2016 AJC Peachtree Road Race, and will offer this information officially this year. Each participant will be able to sign up for their race updates to be sent out automatically via Facebook and Twitter, and friends and family members will be able to sign up for social media or text message updates as well.

Were proud to be able to offer tracking options for the AJC Peachtree Road Race, says Paula Beebe, manager of registration and timing for Atlanta Track Club. There is a lot of excitement around running the largest road race in the country, and we want our participants to be able to easily share their performances with their friends and family.

Links to register for Facebook, Twitter and text message updates will be available in upcoming participant emails and in the participant instructions for the event.

Technology Timeline

2009: First year every participant is electronically timed

2010: First year start waves are assigned by verified performance; official race number transfer system implemented

2011: Registration switches to an online lottery application

2016: 5K split time test performed

2017: 5K split times officially offered for participants

Read the rest here:

AJC Peachtree Road Race technology through the years - Atlanta Journal Constitution