FLASH
We will have 1 (!) energy station during today's Xperiathon. Small problem though: we don’t know where you will run so we have to guess a bit... Anyway, we will be at Djurgården, Stockholm.
How does this actually work?
Xperiathon is the world's first marathon that takes place all over the place. A regular full or half marathon in all aspects except one, you run wherever you choose and you do it alone.
The race is open to everyone with Endomondo, MapMyFitness or RunKeeper installed on their smartphone.
Three easy steps
1. Register here on the site, use the "Register & login"-box (top, far right). Fill in your personal details, choose distance and app.
2. Make sure you're ready for the run, both physically and mentally. We don't want you to get hurt.
3. Saturday the 26th of November 12.00 CET. Activate your app and run for your life or at least some great prizes!
It's this easy
After registering on Xperiathon.com you use the run tracking app of your choice (RunKeeper, Endomondo, MapMyFitness) on the day of the Xperiathon race. When you have covered the distance (half or full marathon) you end your run and tap save. This will send your run data to your run tracking service and we will get it from there. This will be the way you enter the contest.
Prizes
The first man and woman to finish the Xperiathon Half Marathon will get a trip to Gothenburg with two nights stay and an entry to GoteborgsVarvet Half Marathon 2012.
For the first man and woman of the Xperiathon Full Marathon the prize will also be a trip, but to New York with two nights stay and an entry to the New York Marathon 2012.
Both GoteborgsVarvet Half Marathon and the New York Marathon have been sold out for a long time, so we're really glad to have these prizes.
The ten runners up in each distance will win the phone Sony Ericsson Xperia™ active.
FAQ
Xperiathon? What's that?
The world's biggest, loneliest marathon. Initiated by Sony Ericsson.
Who can join?
Everyone! Xperiathon is open for all runners (or walkers) everywhere.
Where's the race?
Anywhere, it's up to you.
When is the race?
Saturday the 26th of November. 12.00 CET.
Are there any technical requirements?
Yes, you need a smartphone with either Endomondo, MapMyFitness or RunKeeper installed.
Do I have to run the whole 42.2 kilometres?
You have to finish the full length to be able to win but you can run, walk, crawl, whatever you want. As long as you don't use any "aids" and as long as you finish within 6.5 hours.
And! For those of you not eager to run a full marathon on such a short notice, you can sign up for the half marathon. Same rules (sort of), different prize.
How long is a marathon now again?
A full marathon is to be exact 42.195 kilometres, or 26 miles and 385 yards. A half marathon is then of course half the distance. Not as fast with numbers as you are with your feet? That's 21.0975 kilometres or 13 miles and 192,5 yards.
How do I sign up?
Whether you wan't to run the full or half marathon you sign up by filling in your e-mail in the box above. Later you'll get more information and will be notified when to register. Then you will be able to choose the length of your race.
Does it cost anything?
Nope, it's free.
Who's the winner?
The person who finishes the race in the shortest time. Note that the winners time-result will not be published immediately due to the fact that the participants races will be audited by a jury. Just to make sure that the winner is the righteous winner, and not some cheaty sneek on a bike (or worse, some car driven, slow driving bastard).
What's in it for me?
Glory, honor and some pretty nice prizes. Scroll up tho "Prizes" to find out more.
When does the registration close?
On the race day, 26th of November 2011, 12.00 CET.
I've signed up to run the half marathon but I'm feeling really fit now, can I change my distance?
You most certainly can. Just login here at xperiathon.com in the same box you signed up in, and you can change your distance after you've entered your username and password. (Yes, it does work the other way around as well).
What if I start earlier or later than the shot gun?
We have "some" tolerance towards early and late starts, meaning that if you take off 30 minutes before or after - it's ok.
What happens if I don't finish the race?
You will not win Xperiathon.
Can I join the race with my wheelchair, bicycle, inlines or other wheel equipment?
No, sorry.
Disclaimer
This race is a registration of your time-result when running with one of the three available apps and starting it at the designated time of the Xperiathon. November 26th 2011, 12.00 CET.
By registering to the Xperiathon participants accept all rules and regulations below:
- By registering to the Xperiathon, all participants agree to let their name and data related to the race become public in media communication linked to the race.
- Sony Ericsson is not liable for any injuries, accidents or costs related to any of these during the race.
- Partcipants must be at least 18 years old.
- Do not participate in Xperiathon if you are not in physically good shape or have a condition.
- The race is personal, so is your application and the phone you use to monitor your race.
- Sony Ericsson can not be responsible or liable for any technical failures or malfunctions of the mobile phones or apps used by participants in the race.
- The race must be started at the designated starting time and ended within 6,5 hours.
- No form of helping aid or equipment is allowed. Nordic sticks, bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, inlines etc.
- Xperiathon is open for registration up until the start of the race.
- Remember that the apps used in Xperiathon tracks movement/distance. Running on a treadmill is therefore quite pointless.
- Xperiathon is a marathon, not a cheat-athon.
And as if it's not enough. MORE tips.
24 NOV 2011
One can't spend to much time on preparations! Or ok, maybe you can.. but we're not there yet. So we're bringing it on, and today the topic is about running in cold weather.
When cold outside it's easy to think one have to put som extra clothes on, and well, in some cases you do. But it's easy to overdress and let's try to avoid that. Use layers. Or instead of changing your whole outfit when the temperature has gone down a few degrees, try running with a running hat and/or mittens. As much as 70% of your body heat will escape from your head and hands.
If you belong to the runners who prefer not to listen to music while you're out, your ears will be glad to have some earplugs in. For the comforting warmth instead of the dry, cold air.
And if it's really low temperatures. Use chapstick on your cheeks and nose, to protect them from frost bites. And use grippers for your shoes to make thos slippery parts harmless.
By now, you know what to do if there's anything missing. Bye now.
Even more tips
23 NOV 2011
Maybe you've seen this already, but even more tips are pouring in on our Facebook page. Go visit and join the discussion.
Practical, hands on, and important tips for your run
19 NOV 2011
Even though this initiative started out in a somewhat north and wintery country, the word has gotten out and Xperiathon now has participants in about 20 countries. So when the subject of what to wear during a race comes up, the answer will vary.
But no matter the weather you will have, please take a moment and read these tips, in order to prepare and perform fully.
- Determine your route in advance and tell your significant other where you will run, and what time you expect to be back.
- Have someone to meet up with you during your race, with fluids and for a quick health check up. (Or run at a track where you have water and energy easily available on a table or something).
- You can also use a belt with small bottles and room for energy bars or gel.
- If running when dark, choose a well-lit route and wear reflective gear.
- Be sure to drink and fuel your body properly before the race.
- Protect your smartphone (if you don't own the Xperia active that is) from weather and workout, using a cover of some sort.
- If running with music, have it on such a volume that you are aware of your surroundings.
- Put athletic (or surgical) tape on "hot spots", such as nipples and feet, to protect you from blisters.
- Fully charge your batteries!
And perhaps most importantly, when it's time to run - have fun and enjoy the race.
Have we missed anything? Please let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
Need to change something in your registration?
18 NOV 2011
No worries. Just login in the same box as you've used earlier for signing up and registration. Voila! You can now edit your distance, location and so on.
Have you made friends with Endomondo, RunKeeper or MapMyFitness yet?
15 NOV 2011
Xperiathon is, as you know, open to everyone with Endomondo, RunKeeper or MapMyFitness installed on their smartphone. Some of you might have been using these functions for a while, and some of you might be new to it. As with everything else in a marathon, you will want to be comfortable during your run, knowing all is in order. With your distance, fuel, body - and your app. So be sure to try it out before the race.
A little help along the way
8 NOV 2011
Maybe we are jumping to conclusions here but we kind of think that those of you that are planning to run the Xperiathon on the 26th are in pretty good shape already. At least we hope so, so that you wont get hurt during your run. Anyway. We could all use some help now and then so here's a tip. Hal Higdon, marathon guru, has made two training programs for the half marathon. Novice and novice 2. Perhaps is there something that can be of help. Otherwise maybe you can help us with your best tips?
When times gets darker
3 NOV 2011
According to the weather channels we are experiencing an unusually mild autumn with only a few regions in the Nordics having winter. But as the days both get shorter and darker every day many of us get tired, and it's easy to stay inside. When in fact that only makes you more tired. So why not try some of our tips of how to get more alert?
- Take a walk (or run) during lunch. With the sun being asleep both while you get to work and also on your way home, the brightness and fresh air can make wonders with your mind.
- Turn the day around and find your time out. To start the day with some sort of exercise wakes the body and can help you keep your energy during the day. If you have access to a shower at work you can change your daily routine of how to get there. Or make a break in the afternoon (when your head sure can use some oxygen anyway) and go out for a run.
- Don't let the darkness stop you. There are a lot of gears on the market to help you through the dark times. Run in enlightened places, use a headlight, or if slippery weather - look at grippers for your shoes.
How do you keep your head up during the dark times? We'd love to hear your best tips on Facebook and Twitter.
Everybody (with a smartphone) is invited
1 NOV 2011
Xperiathon is, as you might know already, the world's biggest individual marathon. Initiated and hosted by Sony Ericsson for the launch of their brand new phone Xperia Active. A phone developed for people on the go, living an active lifestyle. Not only is the phone dustproof, it's also water resistant and equipped with durable mineral glass touch display with wet finger tracking.
Ok, that all sounds great, but it's not what this posting is about. Because whether or not you're an owner of the Xperia Active on the 26th of November, you can be a part of the race either way. And that's what's important.
Technically, all you need is a smartphone of some sort and optional training app, such as Endomondo, RunKeeper or MapMyFitness. All three can be downloaded for free on Android Market or in App store. Why not do it right away and try it on your next run?
Start running!
28 OCT 2011
Ok, so you weren't planning on running a marathon in a months notice. But since you're an active and spontaneous person (who likes a challenge and a fine prize) Xperiathon is for you.
Whether you're interested in the full or half marathon, you sign up in the box above. And if you don't mind some help along the way, we're happy to be of service. Here you'll hopefully find some valuable tips on how to get cracking and more practical things when the race gets closer.
This is tip #1: If you are not used to running the distance of 21,1 or 42,2 kilometers - better get in shape. We don't want you to get hurt.
24 hours left!
25 NOV 2011
Hope you are as excited about tomorrow as we are! We are overwhelmed about the growth of Xperiathon which now has participants all over the world. All running at the same time, just not together.
For those of you running in Stockholm, we will have a table with blueberry soup and two happy fellows cheering you on. Let's see if you run into them or if they will be alone together.
The sound of some company
22 NOV 2011
Are you excited by the chance to win a trip to the New York Marathon 2012? Ida Gudmundsson from FK Studenterna ran this year's race and said "It's the best thing I ever did!". And you have the chance to share her experience - she recorded the race so that you can listen to it while you run. Go to "Listen to" and download the file.
Who knows, maybe you will finish 15 minutes faster than expected, just like she did? Here's her story (in swedish).
Give us your best picture
18 NOV 2011
And we will give you a Sony Ericsson headset MW600. Wireless, wi-fi and all that good.
All you have to do is these three things:
1. Take a run this weekend
2. Take a picture during that run
3. Tweet the picture using the hashtag xperiathon
Five lucky runners will be announced as winners on Monday.
Interview with Claes Akeson (with a dot above the "A")
16 NOV 2011
Since there already are almost 20 different nationalities registered to Xperiathon, it might seem unfair that the interview recently published on our Facebook page is not only with a Swedish runner, but also IN Swedish. Well, life isn't always fair unfortunately. But if you have the energy to visit Google Translate Claes will tell you about his running, how to find motivation and what to think about with only ten days to go. Amongst other things.
Registration soon open
11 NOV 2011
The registration is very soon to be opened for Xperiathon. Those of you who already have signed up will receive an e-mail directing you to the registration. And for the rest of you, not signed up but interested in running the race, you simply fill in the box at the top.
To celebrate this fact we're throwing in a competition to the registration. But you have got to move fast! We've got five MW600, Hi-Fi wireless headsets with FM Radio, waiting to be handed out. A good idea if you want to win this, is to sign upp now and then be the first to know when the registration is open.
To participate in the raffle, all you need to do is:
- register to the half or full Xperiathon
- print your race number (that will be e-mailed to you after your registration)
- take a picture of you wearing the race number
- e-mail us the picture, to info@xperiathon.com
The first five to do this will win the headset.
Welcome and good luck!
Three inspirational runners
9 NOV 2011
Yesterday we told you about Terry Fox (yes we did, on Facebook and Twitter). Today we give you not one, but two inspirational runners. Say hello to Maickel Melamed and Aimee Mann. And prepare yourself for some jaw dropping inspiration.
Seen on your run
4 NOV 2011
Even if you're out on your runs alone, there're still many opportunities to share them with others. And we do like sharing things online, don't we? Just one example is the hashtag seenonmyrun on Twitter. In a way a celebration to running itself, but also an opportunity for you as a runner to share your thoughts and views along your run. Here you can find pictures of sunflowers, lakeside views or current topics, as well as unexpected encounters, injuries or descriptions. And nowadays, a lot of colorful trees.
A fun way of making your run more social and long lived. Make your contribution on twitter or facebook, using the hashtags #xperiathon and #seenonmyrun.
We proudly present the prizes
2 NOV 2011
Not only do the 10 runners up in each distance get a Sony Ericsson Xperia Active, the first to finish in each race will win something really special.
The winner of Xperiathon Half Marathon wins an entry to GoteborgsVarvet Half Marathon 2012 including the trip to Gothenburg with two nights stay at a hotel.
And the winner of Xperiathon Full Marathon wins an entry to the New York Marathon 2012. Including of course the trip to New York with two nights stay at a hotel.
Both GoteborgsVarvet Half Marathon and the New York Marathon have been sold out for a long time, so we're really glad to be able to offer these prizes.
Halloween Movie Marathon
31 OCT 2011
While you're at it, with the whole sweating in front of the TV (or if you rather want to get your pulse going without the exercise), why not mash the previous post together with the fact that it's Halloween today?
The web has of course a number of alternative lists (e.g. this one by the A.V. Club). But here on Xperiathon.com we focus on quality and numbers, and what better way to measure that than to listen to IMDb? So with no further ado, let us present to you our, or IMDb's, Halloween Movie Marathon List.
Psycho (8.7)
Alien (8.5)
The Shining (8.5)
Les diaboliques (8.3)
The Thing (8.2)
Nosferatu (8.1)
Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage (8.1)
The Exorcist (8.1)
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (8.1)
Rosemary's Baby (8.0)
And some personal favorites, just to make sure we contributed ourselves:
Cloverfield
1408
The ring
Have we missed any must sees? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
30 days of good
31 OCT 2011
The collaboration GOOD, who pushes things forward for everyone who gives a damn, has monthly projects called 30 days of GOOD. In October the challenge is to get healthy and every day they post a task on GOOD.is and Twitter. In a very humble and noble way in order to encourage everyone to make a change.
A few days ago their challenge was called Go sweat instead of watching TV. Something I guess we all can relate to. And very easy to change, as the woman who wrote in and explained how she while watching The biggest loser did the same exercises as the participants in the TV show.
However you choose to sweat is totally up to you, but feel free to share your story with us on Twitter or Facebook. We can all need a little feedback and support.
On the 26th of November the world's biggest individual marathon takes place, all over the place. Anywhere and everywhere. 12.00 CET.
28 OCT 2011
Naturally, you should be a part of this so sign up above by entering your e-mail and you'll be in the loop.
And make sure to come back again soon, because here you'll find everything you need and want to know regarding the race in order to get ready.
You can also visit us on our Facebook page or join the discussion on Twitter, using the hashtag #xperiathon.
Ps. If a 100 year old man can finish a marathon, why can't you?
Soundtracks
To enhance the feeling of the world's loneliest marathon we've made this Spotify playlist for you, Forever alone. Four hours of mushy, sad songs. Guaranteed to make you cry. Enjoy!
.. or would you rather make your own? Go right ahead. Our collaborate playlist (also in Spotify) Xperiathon - Together/Alone is waiting for your input.
NYC Marathon
If Xperiathon feels too lonely, you could download and listen to an authentic run from this years' NYC Marathon (courtesy of Ida Gudmundsson, FK Studenterna).
Download the MP3 here — (03:34:48 - Mono 64kbps, 103MB)
