Sunday's London Marathon staff and athletes have to wear technology around their necks that alienates society. The Bump device, which sounds an audible alert when the wearer is too close to others, will be worn by 100 elite competitors and 500 event coordinators.
The race, 19 laps of a closed course in St James's Park, sheltered from the public, is the first major marathon since the Covid-19 pandemic, organizers say.
Non-elite runners can participate
a virtual version of the event 24 hours a day.
Designed by the British company Tharsus, the Bump uses radio frequency technology, allowing organizers to monitor when athletes and staff are within a defined distance of each other.
And if one tests positive for coronavirus in the next two weeks, those in the immediate vicinity will be notified.
"This weekend's event is the culmination of months of planning on how to deliver a socially distant London Virgin Money 2020 marathon that is safe for all attendees and stakeholders," said director Hugh Brasher.
"This technology has played an important role, giving our athletes and internal teams greater confidence to participate in the event safely."
