The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run® Partners with Outside Interactive
April 9th, 2015
Course filming on race day will allow runners to train for and compete remotely in future races from anywhere in the world, through an online interactive race experience with their iPad® or Android® tablet, right on their own treadmill.HOPKINTON, Mass. – Outside Interactive, a developer of forward motion video technology for indoor exercising, today announced it is partnering with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run® to create a digital version of this iconic race. A digital version of the event will enable treadmill runners to train on the virtual course prior to race day, and also compete remotely in future races as remote participants, no matter where they are in the world, at their own pace on their own treadmill.
Exclusive footage will be shot the morning of this year’s race, immediately prior to the live event. Footage is shot from a runner’s point of view to produce a high-definition video that allows viewers to interactively run the virtual race course with their iPad® or Android® tablet – with cheering spectators lining the roads – when inclement weather, travel, deployment or the race hitting its capacity prevent being on the course itself.
“Having an opportunity to create a digital version of this prestigious course in our nation’s capital is both exciting and an honor,” stated Gary McNamee, president and founder of Outside Interactive. “Being able to shoot this time of year with the cherry blossoms in bloom will only enhance the video, allowing participants to enjoy both the natural scenery as well as historic landmarks in one of the most popular areas of the USA for runners.”
“The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run is an event steeped in tradition for runners in the DC area and known for its historic landmarks lining the course, which runners can enjoy as they are draped in the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms during the race,” stated Phil Stewart, Race Director for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. We are excited to utilize Outside Interactive’s technology which will allow runners from anywhere in the world to now enjoy our race course anytime and even compete remotely in future events, bringing our race to a global stage.”
Through the use of its state-of-the-art cameras, filming and editing techniques, the HD virtual-course videos, shot from the runner’s point of view, are made interactive to the runner’s pace through its use with Outside Interactive’s free downloadable app called “Virtual Runner,” available for iPad® and Android® tablets. The iPad and Android apps allow for manual adjustment of the video speed to match the runner’s pace by minutes per mile or kilometer. For an even more immersive experience, all versions are compatible with footpod and heart rate monitor accessories utilizing ANT+™ and Bluetooth® wireless technologies, which automatically and accurately drive the pace of Virtual Runner course videos.
The interactive race course videos will be available to purchase and download on the http://www.CherryBlossom.org website, or the Outside Interactive website http://www.OutsideInteractive.com later in 2015.
A brief demonstration can be found here: http://outsideinteractive.com/our-story and here: http://outsideinteractive.com/wearable-technology
Samples of various race courses, popular running routes and scenic destinations can be found at http://outsideinteractive.com/previews
About: Outside Interactive is a Hopkinton, MA developer of Virtual Runner, revolutionary patent-pending forward motion technology solutions featuring famous race courses, popular running routes and scenic destinations, all shot in HD from a runner’s point of view. Founded in 2011 by Gary McNamee, a lifelong Boston resident, avid runner and serial entrepreneur, Gary developed Virtual Runner after becoming bored on the treadmill and frustrated with not being able to train properly in New England’s unpredictable and often harsh weather. For more information, visit http://www.outsideinteractive.com/
About: The Credit Union Cherry Blossom is known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring” in the Nation’s Capital. The staging area for the event is on the Washington Monument Grounds and the course passes in sight of all of the major Washington, DC Memorials. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a consortium of 170 premier children’s hospitals across the United States. About one-third of the funds raised support Washington, DC’s own Children’s National Medical Center (“Children’s Hospital”). The event also funds two $5,000 Road Runners Club of America “Roads Scholar” grants designed to support up-and-coming U.S. distance running talent.
Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., a consortium of credit unions and credit union suppliers, is the title sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk. PSCU is the lead financial partner of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. Supporting sponsors include New Balance, Gatorade, Gold’s Gym, Navy Federal Credit Union, Larabar, BAE Systems, E-Trade, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, MarathonFoto and Potomac River Running.
The event is a proud member of the PRRO Circuit (http://www.PRRO.org ), a six-race non-marathon prize money circuit with events in Utica, NY; San Juan, PR; Washington, DC; Spokane, WA; Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA. The circuit is committed to a drug-free sport and engages USADA to conduct drug testing at all circuit events.
In addition to being sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the Road Runners Club of America, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run has earned Silver certification from the Council For Responsible Sport for its many environmentally and socially responsible initiatives.