Broadcasting live: Periscope and the #Blackmores #SydneyRunningFestival

The #Blackmores #SydneyRunningFestival is one of Sydney’s most iconic running events, a favourite among runners across Australia and around the world. This year, we’re working closely with the team at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival to take spectating to the next level, powered by Twitter and Periscope.

In a world first, wheelchair racer and three-time Paralympic Gold Medalist @KurtFearnley will be using @periscopece — on top of the live broadcast of the race by @ChannelTen and @dailytelegraph — to take viewers around the course with him as he vies to take out his eleventh Blackmores Sydney Wheelchair Marathon title.

The Periscope broadcast will give spectators a racer’s eye view of the marathon from two devices mounted on his race chair: one facing the course, and one looking back at him. Viewers will be taken through some of Sydney’s most stunning locations; over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through @CentParklands and Hyde Park, and crossing the finish line at the @SydOperaHouse.

If you haven’t already, download Periscope on iOS or Android and tune in from 7:15am on Sunday 20 September (or look out for the notifications and Twitter updates from @officialBSRF) as Kurt starts streaming from the start line. The front-facing stream will be broadcast from @OfficialBSRF and the other from Kurt’s account, @KurtFearnley.

In addition to the Periscope stream on the day, Twitter Mirrors will be at the start line, so if you’re running, be sure to track down a Twitter rep and grab the ultimate pre-race selfie. Check out @officialBSRF on the day to see all the fun!

There’s an even bigger incentive to Tweet if you’re racing with @CanTooRunSwim. @TwitterAU is joining the Can Too cause by giving runners the chance to grab a slice of a $1,000 donation to your fundraising just by sending some Tweets. One lucky winner will receive a $500 donation, and 5 people will win $100. Check out @CanTooRunSwim for all the details.

Don’t miss out on the chance to run or walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 9km Blackmores Bridge Run and 3.5km Medibank Family Fun Run are relatively easy courses and fun to be part of, so sign up to take part now. Or, if you’re a runner who’s ready for the Blackmores Sydney Marathon or the Blackmores Half Marathon, sign up now to join one of the most spectacular marathon courses in the world. Register now at sydneyrunningfestival.com.au.

To follow and join the conversation for this year’s festival, make sure you tag @OfficialBSRF, and use the event hashtags #Blackmores and #SydneyRunningFestival.