A trio of London Marathon runners from a logistics technology company were able to use their own in house technology to keep their supporters updated on their progress around the course at this month's event (Sunday 22nd April). All three members of staff from Norwich based company Proteo completed the marathon equipped with special tracking software.
Duncan Cardwell, Greg Duffield and Rich Donovan all carried smartphones loaded with the tracking software which enabled sponsors, friends and family to monitor their time and location around the capital's 26.2 mile course.
"The Virgin London Marathon is a fantastic event, but it can be difficult for supporters to follow their runners due to the large crowds and congestion," comments Duncan, who is Managing Director of Proteo. "As we develop software and tracking solutions for companies across the UK, we have the technology at our fingertips. We thought it would make the event more interesting if people were able to track our progress along the route."
Duncan, Greg and Rich all completed the course successfully, with Duncan and Rich logging times of 3 hours and 27 minutes. Product Development Director Greg completed the course in 4 hours and 17 minutes, running the last 7 miles with a ruptured tendon.
"I started training in earnest in January, and it was pretty tough at times, particularly during March when we were running a minimum of 45 miles each week. However, it was worth it as the atmosphere on the day was fantastic. We were all happy with our times - and to get round the course in one piece, although my ruptured tendon made the last quarter of the race a fairly painful ordeal!"
The three men ran in aid of the Look charity which provides information and support for visually impaired children, young people and their families. Once all the donations come in, they hope to have raised in excess of £4,000 for the charity.
Proteo works with clients from a range of industries including manufacturing, retail, the NHS and local government as well as the not for profit sector. The company uses mobile technology, vehicle telematics and custom business solutions to help businesses on the move work more efficiently. Set up in 2003, the company employs 30 staff at its Cringleford base.
To sponsor the Proteo trio, visit www.justgiving.com/proteo-2012-marathon.