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Staff and athletes at Sunday’s London Marathon must wear social distancing technology around the neck.
The Bump device, which emits an audible alert when the user is too close to others, will be used by the 100 elite competitors and the 500 event coordinators.
The 19-lap closed-circuit race at St James’s Park, protected from public view, is the first major marathon since the Covid-19 pandemic, organizers say.
Non-elite runners can participate in a 24-hour virtual version of the event.
Designed by the British company Tharsus, the Bump uses radio frequency technology, allowing organizers to keep track of when athletes and staff are at a defined distance from each other.
And if one tests positive for coronavirus in the next two weeks, those who have been around will be notified.
“This weekend’s event is the culmination of months of planning on how to run a socially distanced 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon that is safe for all participants and stakeholders,” said Director Hugh Brasher.
“This technology has played an important role, giving our athletes and internal teams the added confidence to participate in the event safely.”
