Verizon Wireless Sponsors Popular Runner Tracking Service for Family and Friends of Grandma's Marathon Participants

DULUTH, Minn., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're looking to keep track of your favorite runners during Grandma's Marathon weekend, Verizon Wireless has the perfect solution.

Beginning June 7, family members and friends can log onto GrandmasMarathon.com and simply enter the name(s) of the runner(s) they want to track. They then will select whether they want the information delivered by text message or email by entering a valid wireless phone number or email address.

The tracking system, made possible through the support of Verizon Wireless, enables the progress of Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon participants to be tracked at a number of checkpoints along the race course.

"The runner tracking technology has been tremendously popular and we expect this year to be no different," said Laura Bergen, director of event and program development for Grandma's Marathon. "Whether you are a fan waiting at the finish line for a particular runner or someone hundreds of miles away, capturing these updates is a simple and convenient way to stay connected."

This marks the third year that Verizon Wireless is sponsoring runner tracking via text messaging and email. The runner tracking service has gained in popularity, growing from 4,000 spectators signing up in 2008 to 14,437 in 2009. In all, 58,500 messages were delivered last year during the half-marathon and marathon events, compared to 37,000 in 2008.

The signup period runs through 6 p.m. Friday, June 18 by logging onto the Grandma's Marathon Web site or by stopping by the Verizon Wireless booth at the SMDC Health System Health and Fitness Expo on June 17 or 18.

This tracking technology is a joint effort between Grandma's Marathon, Verizon Wireless, ChampionChip Minnesota and MarathonGuide.com.

In all, nearly 16,000 runners from around the world will participate in the 34th annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target, Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth.

For more information, visit GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless