You Stalker You: Can You REALLY Track Someone Running the London Marathon?
The annual London Marathon is a spectacle to behold. Thousands of lycra-clad lunatics pounding the pavement, cheered on by a sea of enthusiastic (and possibly slightly inebriated) supporters. But what if you can't be there in person? Fear not, fellow armchair enthusiast, because with a little tech trickery, you can become a virtual stalker... er, I mean dedicated supporter from the comfort of your couch.
The Official App: Your Big Brother in Your Pocket
First things first, there's the official TCS London Marathon app. This is your one-stop shop for tracking your favourite runner. Simply download the app, find your marathoner by name or race number (the latter is more foolproof, because let's be honest, some marathoners get a little creative with their names), and voila! You'll see their progress on a handy map, complete with estimated times.
Bonus points: You can also send them a cheesy motivational message – perfect for that extra push when they're hitting the wall (or, you know, just finished a dodgy kebab at mile 12).
Alternative Tracking: When the App Isn't Enough (or You Just Like Gadgets)
Maybe the official app isn't your jam. Maybe you crave a more immersive experience. Fear not, tech geeks! If your runner uses a fitness tracker like Garmin or Strava, they might be able to share their live location with you. This can be a bit more granular than the official app, letting you see their exact pace and even heart rate (perfect for that morbid curiosity about whether they're about to explode).
Word to the wise: Sharing live location can drain a phone battery faster than a toddler demolishes a birthday cake. Make sure your runner packs a portable charger – or they might become a ghost on your tracking app before they even reach the halfway mark!
But Wait, There's More! Tracking the Marathon Like a Boss
Feeling fancy? Here's how to take your tracking to the next level:
- Become a Social Media Sleuth: Many runners will be posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Follow their journey (and potentially enjoy some questionable marathon selfies) in real-time.
- Befriend the Crowd: Got a friend or family member spectating the race? Coordinate with them to send you updates and maybe even grab a blurry photo of your runner at a key point (just don't expect them to win any photography awards).
Remember: Patience is a virtue. Depending on the runner's speed and the app's refresh rate, there might be a bit of a lag. Don't panic if they seem to be stuck in one spot for ages – they probably haven't spontaneously become a human traffic cone (although, that would be a story for the ages).
FAQ: You Got Questions, We Got Answers (Kinda)
- How do I download the TCS London Marathon app? Search for "TCS London Marathon" in the App Store or Google Play.
- Can I track multiple runners? Yes, both the app and some fitness trackers allow you to follow multiple people at once.
- What if my runner isn't very tech-savvy? They can still be tracked on the official app if someone knows their race number.
- My runner's phone died! Am I doomed? Not necessarily. If they were using a fitness tracker with live tracking enabled, you might still be able to see their progress for a while.
- This tracking business is stressing me out! Take a deep breath and maybe mute your marathon group chat for a bit. Cheering on your runner should be fun, not anxiety-inducing.
