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Boston Marathon

  • Boston Athletic Association
  • On-site Event Solutions

Challenge

The Boston Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious and historic long-distance running events, is a cornerstone of New England sports, drawing over 500,000 spectators annually. As one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, the event spans from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, attracting elite athletes competing for over $850,000 in prize money.

How do we modernize and enhance the Boston Marathon’s on-site fan engagement, sponsor visibility and media presentation while preserving the event’s tradition and prestige? The race organizers sought to bring dynamic storytelling and live data into public view, upgrade outdated displays and provide immersive experiences across multiple locations including the finish line, media center and VIP areas.

Solution

Since 2018, SMT has partnered with the Boston Athletic Association to revolutionize the Marathon’s visual and data experience. SMT introduced an integrated suite of leading-edge LED and LCD displays, live data graphics and streaming solutions across key race-week locations.

Key Enhancements Include:

  • Photobridge LED Display: A 52-by-4 foot digital display over the finish line showcasing dynamic sponsor content, countdowns, live clocks, and, starting in 2022, automatic celebratory messaging for VIPs and celebrities triggered by their timing chip at the final mile.
  • Finish Line LED Display: Positioned across from the grandstands, this display delivers live race footage, real-time leaderboards and branded content loops, giving fans a richer viewing experience.
  • Media Center Video Wall: In the Fairmont Copley Plaza Grand Ballroom, a quad-split feed combines local and international race broadcasts, athlete coverage and press conference backdrops, giving reporters instant access to compelling visual content.
  • Copley Square Fan Fest Mobile Display: A mobile LED screen delivering live production for the Fan Fest and Opening Celebrations, extending the excitement beyond race day.
  • VIP Hospitality Displays: Five LCD screens in the Boston Public Library keep VIP guests informed and entertained with live feeds, race stats and sponsor messaging.
  • Streaming Services: SMT streams live feeds from Fan Fest and Saturday’s races (5K, Kids’ Mile) directly to the Boston Athletic Association’s official Facebook page, expanding the event’s digital footprint.
  • Data Graphics and Broadcast Tools: SMT powers ESPN and WCVB’s coverage with live tickers, ISO Track and timing graphics using GEMLive and GEMStat. SMT also delivers real-time graphics for the Invitational Mile via timing data ingestion.

CLICK HERE for SMT’s 2025 Boston Marathon Highlights reel.

Results

SMT’s ongoing contributions have transformed the Boston Marathon into a modern multimedia spectacle without losing its historic charm.

The digital photobridge display replaced a static sponsor banner with dynamic storytelling, while the expansion into fan zones, VIP areas and media centers ensured that athletes, spectators and broadcasters alike are more connected than ever.

Notable outcomes:

  • Enhanced fan engagement with real-time data and visual content.
  • Improved sponsor visibility with targeted, rotating branding opportunities.
  • Greater media access to race content for real-time reporting.
  • A personalized touch through automated congratulatory messaging.
  • More fans on site and eyeballs on the TV screen increasing ratings