nRace app lets fans track runners at River Run 15K

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local company announces the launch of a mobile spectator app that will allow race fans to track their favorite runners in real-time during Saturday's Gate River Run, the largest 15K in the United States.

The $1.99 nRace app from IDS, a division of SMT, expands the spectator experience, tracking up to 10 runners on the course map, in addition to a host of other features. The app is available for download from iTunes for the iPhone and iPad.

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In addition to real-time athlete tracking, nRace provides:

  • Start/finish line details, gear check, parking and transportation information
  • Expo information, including a map, speaker schedules and bib pick-up instructions
  • Weather forecasts
  • Course map with elevation data
  • Schedule of events for the weekend's festivities
  • Leaderboard results


With nRace, fans at the event, at home or anywhere in the world can track their favorite athletes and monitor their progress as they compete against America's top Olympians for $85,000 in prize money.

The Gate River Run is the largest 15K race in the United States and will once again serve as the USA 15K Championship. Last year, more than 23,000 runners and walkers participated in the 15K, the Florida Times-Union 5K for Charity, the adidas Junior River Run or the Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile.

The race features 12 live bands on the course, accurate timing from MyLaps chip timing and scrolling results on an IDS video display at the finish line.

"We challenged ourselves to develop a race app that was convenient for runners as well as spectators," said IDS' Jessica Schacht, senior business development manager. "The nRace app integrates RFID chip timing to allow real-time tracking of runners, and the chip is in the bib, so runners don't have to worry about carrying a smart phone or any other device. Users can track up to 25 athletes simultaneously and we plan to roll out a photo gallery feature in future updates."

The nRace app was recently used by nearly 9,000 followers of the 6th Annual 26.2 with Donna held Feb. 17. With 10,000 registered runners from all 50 states and more than 20 countries worldwide, the Donna is the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer.

"The nRace app was such welcome technology for spectators, whose support is a huge part the race," said Amanda Napolitano, the executive director of 26.2 with Donna. "We were very happy this year to be able to reward them with the nRace app, which helped fans find their favorite runners for those important photo ops and to cheer them on. Plus it enabled users to stay up- to-date regarding all the festivities, and to check the weather so they could dress properly. It was a win-win for all."