Affinitive’s Social Media Playground

I’m running the ING NYC marathon on November 6th in support of  Camp Interactive, a non-profit organization helping at-risk youth (more on Camp Interactive at the bottom of this post.)

The marathon is this Sunday, November 6th. It has been a long and often painful road getting here and my anxiety at the thought of running 26.2 miles is currently mounting, but I wanted to take time out to give you some tips on how to support or track your favorite runner on race day!

The Official Mobile Spectator App
Available in the iPhone and Android marketplace for $2.99, the official mobile spectator app – powered by MapMyRun and MyCityWay - allows you to track up to 10 runners simultaneously on race day and shows you nearby points of interest along the race course including restaurants, landmarks, and more. You can also watch live streaming of the men’s and women’s pro races, as well as NBC4 New York’s live coverage.

RunKeeper Live
If you want to keep closer tabs on your runner, RunKeeper Elite broadcasts activity in real-time GPS through their application for iPhone and Android. The program also delivers stats like elevation and speed, so you can make sure your runner is on pace and know when they might need a little extra support to get over those challenging hills.

ASICS Support Your Marathoner
Sponsored by ASICS, Support Your Marathoner encourages marathon supporters to record videos, upload images, and share messages with their runners that are displayed on giant screens during the race (triggered by RFID tags the runners receive prior to their race and affix to their shoe).

Spotify Streaming
If your runner is planning to listen to music during the race (which is discouraged by NYRR, but I am probably going to do this), encourage them to use Spotify and connect it with Facebook. You’ll be able to listen to the same song at the same time as your runner so you can share that special moment as they cross the finish line while you’re both listening to “Chariots of Fire”.

The Old Fashioned Cheering Squad
If you’re close enough to be there in person, make sure you review the marathon course and coordinate with your runner exactly where you’ll be. Go in groups so your cheers can be heard loud and clear. Check the marathon spectator guide before you go and take a look at the ‘secret spots’ to have the best chance of connecting with your runner.

Make A Donation
Crowdrise is helping support thousands of runners in their efforts to raise funds for non-profits. Every donation to a runner’s cause contributes to the overall goal of raising $1 million per mile. Make a donation to your runner’s cause and show your support through charitable contribution.  I’m using the Crowdrise platform along with my teammates to raise money for Camp Interactive.

Over 40,000 people will attempt the NYC marathon this year, make sure your runner feels like one in a million!

About Camp Interactive
CI is a Bronx-based nonprofit that inspires inner-city kids to step back into nature and forward into technology. They execute their goals using a two pronged program. First, CI takes students on outward-bound style adventure trips to open their minds and enhance leadership abilities. The students are outfitted with cameras, journals, and video equipment, and they are encouraged to record their experience. Upon returning to NYC, the students create a video, edit their photos, write stories, and build a website using their experience to fuel the content. This process gives students real-world applicable technology skills and the courage and leadership to use them.