Kamal Datta: Welcome, Ted. I'm really excited to have you on this Tech In 26.2 podcast. Welcome, Ted. Ted Metellus: Thank you so much, Kamal. It's an honor to be here. Thank you to all of your listeners. I'm excited to chat a little bit about tech in running and the events world. Kamal Datta: I thought I'd take a quick introduction about your background. You are the Chief Event Production Officer and Risk Director for the New York City Marathon, part of New York Road Runners. You have over 25 years of experience in event production and a diverse professional background, including marketing, PR, and large-scale charitable and participatory events. You've worked with great event organizers like Competitor Group, which put together the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series, the Philadelphia Triathlon, Ironman, and Lifetime Fitness. In 2016, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security awarded you Professional of the Year, and in 2023, you were inducted into the Hall of Champions by Running USA for your contributions to the running industry. Ted Metellus: No, I think you hit all the big points as it relates to my professional life. I like to run. I've done 45 half-marathons and two marathons. I'm a student of the events industry, and I've expanded my focus to guest services and guest experience. Our participants are our guests, and the communities we serve interact with that. Kamal Datta: There was a recent news headline that it's tougher to get into the New York City Marathon than to get into Harvard University. Can you shed some light on this? There are over 200,000 applicants, and only about 2.2% will be accepted through the lottery this year. Ted Metellus: I think a lot of it attributes to the growth of running in the community on a global scale. Over the past five years, there has been significant demand in the running space. More people are running, and they're seeking community benefits. When local run clubs meet and run together, it fosters a sense of community. This growth has led to increased demand for events like the TCS New York City Marathon and other major road races. Kamal Datta: What goes into the logistics of the marathon, especially with qualifying runners, charity programs, and the lottery? Ted Metellus: We have several groups that access the marathon. There's a large component open to charitable organizations. New York Road Runners is a nonprofit, and our mission is the transformative power of running. We have Team for Kids, which raises funds for youth programming. We also have qualifying times, international travel groups, and the "Nine Plus One" program for local runners, which guarantees a spot after completing nine races and volunteering once. Additionally, we open registration to the world, and some applicants are selected through the lottery. Kamal Datta: The New York City Marathon is considered one of the most technologically advanced running events. What makes that claim true? Ted Metellus: Being in a city like New York, which moves quickly and has a diverse running community, requires us to leverage technology. Our partnership with TCS, our title sponsor, helps us stay on par with technological advancements. We've launched a new running app that allows participants to track themselves and their loved ones year-round. It also provides information about our programming and activities, creating a community within a community. Kamal Datta: How does the streaming experience work for individual runners? Can family members track their loved ones on the course? Ted Metellus: While it's not a personalized streaming component for each runner, family and friends can track participants along the route. The app provides features like locating the nearest subway station to catch runners at multiple points during the event. This is particularly useful in New York, given the extensive transportation options along the course. Kamal Datta: How do you enhance the participant experience through technology partnerships, such as with Strava or CrowdRx for medical management? Ted Metellus: Technology plays a significant role in enhancing the experience. Partners like CrowdRx help manage medical operations by tracking athlete locations and anticipating needs along the route. This allows for proactive planning and resource allocation. Additionally, our partnerships provide insights into athlete movement, helping us prepare for potential challenges. Kamal Datta: How do you plan for unpredictable factors like weather? Ted Metellus: We differentiate between knowns and unknowns. We plan for known factors and prepare for unknowns. With decades of experience running the marathon through all five boroughs, we have extensive data to anticipate challenges. We work with meteorologists to monitor weather conditions across different parts of the course, ensuring we're prepared for varying conditions. Kamal Datta: How do you manage crowd control, especially with over 55,000 runners and millions of spectators? Ted Metellus: We don't shut down the entire city; instead, we work with city agencies like the NYPD and FDNY to ensure a safe and secure route. We have three start lines, which helps distribute runners and manage flow. We also work with crowd scientists to identify pinch points along the course, ensuring smooth movement. At the finish line, we stagger releases to prevent overcrowding and ensure athletes can walk and receive amenities without immediate congestion. Kamal Datta: Are there any augmented reality components enhancing the spectator experience? Ted Metellus: Yes, we've used VR components and interactive murals along the route that spectators can view with their phones. We also have digital boards and stages with real-time updates and entertainment, making the experience engaging for both participants and spectators. Kamal Datta: How has technology evolved in the running industry over the years? Ted Metellus: Technology has significantly changed the running experience. From timing and scoring advancements to wearable devices and apps, runners are more informed and connected than ever. Digital registration and communication have also reduced paperwork, contributing to sustainability. Kamal Datta: How do you approach sustainability, especially with such a large event? Ted Metellus: We focus on reducing waste by using digital documentation and eliminating paper. We also use compostable cups and encourage athletes to be mindful of their environmental impact. Our charity teams contribute to sustainability efforts as well. Kamal Datta: Are there any technological aspects you wish to leverage further in the future? Ted Metellus: Enhancing our app with additional split points and timing features is a priority. We also appreciate the technological advancements in apparel and footwear, which improve runner comfort and performance. Our partnerships, like those with TCS, continue to innovate and simplify the runner experience.