The training for a marathon pushes the body to its physical and mental limits, where fatigue almost introduces a dimension of isolation. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to find an emotional anchor in moments of maximum effort, when energy seems to be lacking. The idea of Back My Run for Daniel Moores was born during a 30 km training run in preparation for the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2024. At the most critical moment of preparation, Moores realized the value of a human voice in delicate moments like those.
Thinking back to his deceased grandparents — and the support related to charities such as the British Heart Foundation and the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance — the desire to record the voices of loved ones as an unforgettable memory emerged, capable of resurfacing along the course in times of need. Transforming affection into auditory stimulus converts individual suffering into motivational charge: hence the basis for Back My Run, a software that uses technology to replicate the human warmth that can push us during the race, allowing runners to listen to messages from loved ones during the run. The architecture of the Back My Run system combines maximum accessibility for supporters with the athlete’s full autonomy. Supporters, before race day, friends and family record words of encouragement via a simple web link, without the need to download the application or create an account. The athlete can select the exact points on the course where the GPS will automatically play the messages.
Opportunities of Back My Run
Back My Run positions itself as a strategic lever for race organizers, brand sponsors, charities, and ambassadors in the running and trail running sector. Pre-race campaigns and co-branded experiences extend the digital footprint of the event well before the start. By involving families and supporters in the audio collection phase, the platform enhances sponsor visibility, can improve participant retention rates, and highlights the stories of the runners. Giving a voice to those who support the athletes demonstrates how technological innovation can make the racing experience profound, collective, and authentically human.
