NAB Event News
London Marathon a multimedia event
By
Apr 14, 2008 - 6:40:07 PM

By Kevin Hilton

The 28th London Marathon took place yesterday (Sunday, April 13), with live coverage on BBC One television and the BBCi interactive service. The broadcast involved a total of 35 cameras, with some mounted on six motorbikes, two helicopters and an overhead circling aeroplane. Interactive 'red button' technology gave viewers who did not fancy braving the rain a number of options for a more comprehensive experience, including live individual footage of the Men's and Women's events and non-stop coverage of the finish, with replays of the end of the mini-marathon.

Those who prefer watching on their computers had live streaming of the Marathon through the bbc.co.uk/sport site. This was supported by text reports and video interviews, with an interactive map showing the progress of the race round London. For those who could not get to a TV set or computer there was live commentary from BBC Radio 5 Live.

This year's race also marked the 100th anniversary of the marathon held during the 1908 London Olympics, which took place over the traditional distance of 26 miles, 385 yards between Windsor Castle and the White City stadium in the west of the city. BBC Sport has produced live coverage of the London Marathon since the race was first held in 1981 and holds the rights until 2010.

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