Tracking intensity: Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

The challenge

The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon was the first extreme triathlon in the world. Each year, the best of the best put themselves to the ultimate physical and mental test, attempting to complete 226 kilometers (approximately 140 miles) of unforgiving icy temperatures, high altitudes and inhospitable rugged Norwegian wilderness, in what is one of, if not the, toughest races of its kind on the planet.

The event is unlike other endurance challenges in that it is a point-to-point race. It covers beautiful, rugged and diverse terrain that is unforgiving, including 5,000 vertical meters (16,404 vertical feet). The management team wanted to source a system that would give them an overview of the entire course and allow them to monitor and manage the race including athletes, support crews, medical teams and marshals, from the fjord to the finish line.

The solution

Trackers worn by each athlete were integrated with HxGN Connect, feeding data into a real-time common operating picture and giving the Command Control a view of the athletes’ exact locations and positions in the race. Race penalties and documentation of athletes retiring from the race were also integrated into the solution. Organizers needed only an internet-connected device with a standard web browser to have a high level of insight regarding how the event was progressing.

The HxGN Connect interface provided a single screen from which they were able to scroll through the list of competitors and check their tracker information, view interactive 2D and 3D maps of the course, check the water temperature of the fjord (for safety during the swim), monitor the transition zones and finish line and view footage from video camera feeds. They were also able to receive and rapidly respond to incident alerts.

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