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GPS Tracking Adds a New Dimension to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race

March 13th, 2009
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By Greg Bartlett

The Iditarod sled dog race is a traditional reenactment of a run across some of the worst possible terrain known to man in an effort to get medical supplies to Nome. The distance is over 1150 miles, and the race is being run for the 37th time this year. GPS tracking has added a new dimension to this race in the last two years.

In the past, once the race was underway, it was impossible to know where the participants might be located until they crossed the finish line. Considering the terrain they were trying to cross, this was not always a safe race. Several participants have died in the wilderness trying to complete the course. GPS tracking will reduce the chance of these occurrences being repeated.

In addition to the added safety factor of the GPS tracking devices being on the participants in the race, those interested in following the race and how it develops over time can now follow the progress of each racer in real time by monitoring the GPS signals with a computer hooked to the internet. This facet will make the Iditarod more of a spectator sport than it has ever been in the past.

Exposure, dehydration, starvation, these are all potential problems faced by the race participants. They also must face the very good chance of being injured during the course of the race. As a safety precaution, the race governors have the option of dispatching help to any race participant who does not move for a period of time longer than would be normal for a rest stop along the way. Whether they do or not, is up to them, but this move would definitely improve the safety of race participants while out on the course.

GPS tracking has long been used to monitor vehicles and businesses use it for tracking fleets. The benefits of using GPS in such ways have long been obvious. The addition of GPS technology to a sporting event such as the Iditarod sled dog race can change the face of extreme sports forever. Events that occur in distant and remote locations where participants have been at risk of death can now be made more open for spectators to follow and the safety of the participants can be pushed to a higher level to make these events better for all concerned.

A Running Partner

March 11th, 2009
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By Harriette Halepis

Practice Safe Exercise Running is one of the fastest and best ways to get into shape. Nearly anyone can run, and everyone can benefit from this heart pounding cardio activity. However, there are certain risks that go along with running…some of which you may have never considered before.

Even if you check with your doctor prior to beginning a running program (highly recommended!), it is possible to experience physical injuries while running. Every year, numerous runners are left waiting for help on roads, trails, and paths due to unexpected injuries.

Anything from a twisted ankle to a heart attack can leave a runner abandoned on the side of a road. The best way to avoid being along in pain is to carry a GPS tracker with you on every run. If you’re sure that you are in top shape (and that nothing will happen to you) consider a few of the other ways that running can be a dangerous sport.

Many runners seek the ultimate running path. This often leads to trails that wind through mountains, forests, and other desolate places. While these running routes are certainly pristine and tranquil, they can also be treacherous.

Mountains and wooded areas are full of wild animals that often do attack runners. In addition, some runners come across frightening pedestrians while running through secluded areas. In the case that you are attacked by an animal or a person, having a GPS tracking device with you can actually save your life.

It is never advisable to go for any kind of run without telling someone where you are going. This includes leaving a route map, and an approximate return time. Why? If you don’t return when you say that you are going to, the person that has been notified of your running plans can call the proper authorities.

If you have a GPS tracker with you, those authorities can then pinpoint your location. In the case that you have been attacked or have suffered a physical injury, emergency experts will be able to reach you in no time.

Numerous runners have been found miles away from their original routes. Sometimes abductors and attackers will carry their victims away from the main running path, and other times injured runners will attempt to find help. In both cases, searching for a runner that has lost their path can be difficult.

Otherwise, you may have to wait quite a few days until somebody finds you. In this manner, a GPS tracker can easily become the best running partner that you have ever had. When it comes to running, don’t leave home without your tracking device – it can save your life.

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