The Bump wearables, developed by British company Tharsus, will be worn by the athletes as well as the 500 staff members who need to be on site to make the race happen. The devices can be clipped onto clothing or worn around the neck. If the wearer gets within 6 feet of another device, both devices will light up and make noise to alert them. The Bump system allows race organizers to be notified when devices get too close and for how long, which will allow them to perform contact tracing efforts should anyone later test positive for COVID-19.
Rather than running through the streets of London, this year’s marathon, scheduled for Oct. 4, will see competitors circle St. James’ Park 19.6 times. The event will not allow spectators, although the BBC will provide live TV coverage. Amateur competitors will still be able to participate remotely by running their own route of the appropriate distance at home.
