How does entry represent “Excellence in Engagement”?

The 2019 TCS New York City Marathon app was the most downloaded marathon app ever and several unique features sparked engagement, including:

For runners:

• AR capabilities unlocked inspirational messages from 2017 TCS NYC Marathon Champion, Shalane Flanagan, when used on race bibs.
• New this year, links that initiated automatic app downloads with the runner already added set to be tracked could be shared with runners’ support communities.

For Spectators:

• Animated, fun facts that celebrate all five boroughs would appear when fans used the app’s AR feature on mural artwork of the racecourse.
• Fans created 115,000+ personalized digital cheer signs, which were shareable on social media and broadcasted on screens along the racecourse.

Given the current state of mass-participation sports, similar engaging technologies, like the ones used in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon app, will be critical in helping runners stay connected, engaged and healthy.