# Encouraging Running Batons This Running Device Cheers Athletes on to Keep Their Spirits Up By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-02-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/running-device References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/digital-baton-runners/47819/) & [lancaster.ac.uk](http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/articles/2017/digital-relay-baton-enables-remote-crowd-cheering-of-athletes/) Running a marathon can be somewhat lonely at certain parts where there aren't spectators to cheer, so this running device is a baton that's intended to help provide encouragement. Developed by scientists at the [Lancaster University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spf-education-popup) in Britain, the baton allows people who are situated away from the runner to send digital cheers. When received, users of the baton will experience a [vibrational sensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-for-sports-fans) along with audible cheers that are played via the device. The baton running device was tested by the [Running Club](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/running-mate) at the Lancaster University in order to see if the piece of equipment would indeed provide encouragement. This was found to be true with runners feeling less lonely during parts of a course where spectators were absent. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Digital Encouragement:** The trend of using technology to provide encouragement and support to athletes during races. - **Remote Spectatorship:** The trend of allowing spectators to participate in races from a distance through digital means. - **Enhanced Running Experience:** The trend of incorporating technology to enhance the overall running experience and mitigate feelings of loneliness. ### Where This Applies - **Wearable Tech:** The industry that can develop and market innovative wearable devices specifically designed for providing encouragement and support to runners. - **Sports Events & Entertainment:** The industry that can explore opportunities to create interactive and immersive experiences for remote spectators to engage with athletes during races. - **Fitness & Wellness:** The industry that can utilize technology to create innovative solutions for enhancing the overall running experience and mental well-being of athletes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plogging-Friendly Sports Bands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-running.md) - [Multi-Faceted Virtual Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-10k-challenge.md) - [Sleek Illuminating Runner Belts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumabelt.md) - [Connected Runner Breath Analyzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-breath-analyzer.md) - [Personalized Rowing Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ergatta-rowbot.md) - [Marathon-Inspired NYC Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandit-x-asics.md) - [Anti-Scrolling Step Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marathumb-challenge.md) - [Smile-Focused Running Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smile-20.md) - [Community-Focused Hybrid Running Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runningman.md)