Globalstar Europe Satellite Service Ltd has announced that its SPOT Gen3 safety device will be key to the safety and security of 1,250 athletes competing in the Marathon Des Sables 2016 (MDS), a race taking place between 8-18 April 2016 in Morocco
Every participant will run with a SPOT Gen3 attached to their backpack enabling race organisers emergency support teams, sponsors, family and friends to track each runner’s location online.
“With sand in their eyes and no other athletes nearby, competitors can easily miss the markers and stray off course,” stated Patrick Bauer, CEO of the Marathon Des Sables.
“Thanks to SPOT Gen3, we can ensure more athletes complete the race by quickly spotting anyone wandering off route as well as getting immediate assistance to anyone who presses the SOS button,” said Bauer.
Mark O’Connell, director of European Sales & Business Operations, Globalstar, who also commented on the new satellite technology, said that communications options in the Sahara are limited and satellite is the only reliable option to stay connected with all of the participants throughout the race.
