Outside Interactive, a Hopkinton, Massachusetts based developer of forward motion video software technology for treadmill runners, announced that it is partnering with RunSignUpTM, the leading innovator of online tools for race registration, race day solutions, and running clubs. This partnership will offer the creation of a digital race-day experience for race event customers. When used with any treadmill and iPad® or Android® tablet device, runners will be able to interactively experience a race course virtually, enabling them to learn the course ahead of time at their exact pace, relive the excitement of their race day experience, or even participate remotely on the virtual course.
“With over 14,000 races annually, we’re very excited to be partnering with RunSignUp,” stated Gary McNamee, President and Founder of Outside Interactive. “The idea of a virtual race is nothing new, but we are bringing things to the next level through technology, to actually see the course and experience it at their exact pace while on a treadmill. We hope to introduce RunSignUp’s customers to a whole new way of generating revenue for their race and its charities, while also providing the race and its sponsors global exposure.”
“Outside Interactive’s technology will allow our customers to take their event into a global online forum,” stated Bob Bickel, Founder of RunSignUp. “Any entrant or would-be entrant will now be able to train on the virtual course or even participate remotely. This opens up a whole new paid category to runners who are deployed or geographically challenged.”
Outside Interactive has taken over 5 years to develop and refine the technology it calls Virtual RunnerTM. This software application is combined with their professionally shot videos for use with any treadmill and iPad or tablet device, creating an interactive digital race course.
“The aim of race day filming will be to show a race with all the electricity and excitement of the day,” stated McNamee. “Races will now have a way of showcasing their event to a highly targeted global audience.” A brief demonstration can be found HERE
Samples of various race courses, popular running routes and scenic destinations can be found at HERE
Virtual Runner is available for the iPad on iTunes and for Android tablets in Google Play. The app allows for manual adjustment of the video speed to match the runner’s pace by minutes per mile or kilometer. For an even more immersive experience, both versions are compatible with accessories utilizing BlueTooth® and ANT+® wireless technology, which automatically and accurately drive the pace of Virtual Runner course videos. Future plans involve pairing the tablets with “smart” treadmills, controlling not only course video speed, but also the treadmill’s incline and decline to match the terrain of the course.
About Outside Interactive: Located on the starting line of the world famous Boston Marathon® Outside Interactive is a Hopkinton, MA developer of Virtual Runner, revolutionary patent pending forward motion technology solutions featuring famous race courses, popular running routes and scenic destinations, all shot in HD from a runner’s point of view. Founded in 2011 by Gary McNamee, a lifelong Boston resident, avid runner and serial entrepreneur, Gary developed Virtual Runner after becoming bored on the treadmill and frustrated with not being able to train properly in New England’s unpredictable and often harsh weather. For more information, visit OutsideInteractive
About RunSignUp: RunSignUp is the leading innovator of online tools for race registration, race day solutions, and running clubs. Services include RunSignUp for registration, RunSignUp Go for Race Day, RunSignUp RD Go for Timers, RunSignUp Clubs to enable membership management, and RaceJoy for mobile experiences. More than 10,000 race directors, timers, running club officers and running stores use these services today, including leading organizations like the Boilermaker Road Race, Crim Festival of Races, Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc., Fifth Third River Bank Run, Blacklight Run, Bubble Run, Night Nation, Mercedes Marathon, Kentucky Derby Festival, Leone Timing, KC Running Company, Compuscore Timing, Knoxville Track Club, Pike Peak Road Runners, Gulf Coast Runners, Columbus Running Company, Playmakers Running Store and many more. In 2015, over 10,000 races used the system to register more than 2.7 million participants. Services are free except for processing fees when conducting monetary transactions such as race registration or club membership renewal. RunSignUp is founded by runners for runners, using technical capabilities to bring the power of cloud computing to benefit the running community. For more information, visit www.RunSignUp.com
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