(Duluth, Minn.) No longer will friends and family members need to play a guessing game in order to locate the progress of their favorite runners.

Instead, a tracking system being implemented during the 2008 Grandma’s Marathon weekend will enable interested race fans to receive periodic runner updates through a text message or an e-mail. These updates, made possible through funding provided by Verizon Wireless, will be accessible for all participants running in the 2008 Grandma’s Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, both on June 21.

The introduction of this enhanced tracking technology is a joint effort between Grandma’s Marathon, Verizon Wireless, ChampionChip Minnesota and MarathonGuide.com.

"This tracking technology is going to be a wonderful addition for our race fans," says Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon. "Having access to runner updates in virtually real-time is a great way to keep an eye on the progress of a particular runner. We are extremely excited to showcase this unique program.”

To sign up for this service, fans should log on to GrandmasMarathon.com between May 26 and June 18, and enter the name(s) of the runner(s) they would like tracked and indicate whether they prefer the information be delivered by text message or e-mail by entering a valid wireless phone number or e-mail address.

On June 21, each runner will be wearing a ChampionChip timing transponder on their shoe, which records their time and progress at various points along the course. This information is transmitted to a program provided by MarathonGuide.com, and is then sorted and sent to those individuals who signed up to receive updates.

“We know this popular form of communication will enhance the race experience for participants and fans,” said Nancy B. Clark, president-Verizon Wireless Great Plains Region. “We are proud to sponsor this premier event with data communication services in addition to the voice services we have offered for the past 16 years.”

In addition to funding the runner tracking service, Verizon Wireless is the new presenting sponsor of the results tent located in the runner's recovery area where volunteers will help runners look up their results after the race, and print out a receipt for the runner that contains their split times and finishing time.

In all, more than 17,000 runners and 50,000 race fans from around the world will participate in the 32^nd annual Grandma's Marathon weekend, which is presented by Target, Toyota and Wells Fargo Bank Duluth. For more information, visit GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.