Smart Race Management

Intelligent Urban Marathon Management System

Project Overview

The Smart Race Management Platform is an intelligent management system designed for large-scale urban race events. It integrates big data, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and open data platforms to provide a comprehensive digital solution for marathon organisation and operations. The platform transforms traditional race management into a data-driven, visualised, and coordinated system that enhances safety, operational efficiency, and cross-department collaboration.

Key Challenges

1. Ensuring Runner Safety

Marathons cover long distances and require high physical endurance, making runner safety the top priority. Real-time monitoring is critical to reducing health risks during the race. Through IoT-enabled wearable devices and GPS tracking, the platform monitors participants’ physical conditions and location data in real time, enabling rapid response in case of emergencies.

2. Large-Scale Coordination Across Departments

Major city marathons involve tens of thousands of participants and require coordination across multiple departments. For example, the 2019 Shanghai Marathon hosted 38,000 runners. Events of this scale demand city-wide collaboration, including: Traffic control, Public security, Medical emergency teams, Organizing committees and Volunteers. The Smart Race Management Platform enables real-time information sharing across all stakeholders, ensuring efficient communication and coordinated action.

3. Lack of Visualisation in Traditional Race Management

Traditional marathon operations often rely heavily on manual coordination and the organiser's experience. Data is fragmented and difficult to monitor systematically. The platform introduces AI-powered data integration and visualisation tools, standardising operational procedures and enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making.

Design Innovation

1. Dual-Mode 2D + 3D Data Visualization

The system provides a dynamic 3D race map that visually displays event progress across the city. A 2D dashboard mode presents real-time operational data, including participant distribution, medical alerts, traffic conditions, and resource allocation. This dual-mode interface allows organisers to switch between macro-level overview and detailed data monitoring.

2. “Hawk-Eye” Tracking and Real-Time Data Integration

The platform integrates and manages large volumes of event-related data, including manpower deployment and material resource allocation. Powered by AI engines, big data analytics, facial recognition, and GPS tracking technologies, the system ensures seamless communication between traffic authorities, medical teams, organisers, and volunteers. This integrated system significantly improves emergency response efficiency and reduces operational risk.

3. Smart Race Assistant

The platform also includes a user-facing digital assistant that supports runners throughout the entire race lifecycle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the system introduced a health check-in feature to guide runners in maintaining safe exercise routines under public health regulations.

Recognition

The project received the Honourable Mention Award at the 2020 Design Intelligence Award (DIA).