You Can Run with Ultrarunner Philippe Fuchs in a 3D Virtual Race: Paris to Beijing

I've been getting in some decent morning runs - Spring is a little more than a week away! Whoo Hoo! Okay - I once blogged about how people on Second Life actually assume the identity of avatars, digital characters, and go on training runs, alone and with others - in a virtual world. It's gotten worse, we now have real Ultra Runners like that guy on the left, a well known runner...Philippe Fuchs...is running Paris to Beijing with the help of a company called Dassault Systèmes’ in an event called the “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge” that you too can participate in. This is a 3D Race Based on Innovative 3D Technologies. Dassault Systèmes the leading provider of software solutions allowing users to create, share and experience in 3D, affirms its commitment to the athletic arena with its “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge”, a new technological experience:

• A technologically advanced mini-website based on the latest 3D solutions allowing the general public to watch the Paris-Beijing race run by renowned marathon runner Philippe Fuchs in real-time

• A global premiere for science and sports with the Marseille Motion Science Institute using Philippe Fuchs’ biomechanical data to model his stride

• A charity event in partnership with Sports Without Borders allowing the general public to join the marathon through an innovative Facebook application.

It launched on March 7, the “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge” will continue through to Philippe Fuchs’ arrival in Beijing during the Summer Olympic Games. Running for innovation in sports with Dassault Systèmes - known for its 3D solutions, Dassault Systèmes’ 3D solutions are also being used to create innovative and high-performing sports applications, from stadiums to bicycles to running shoes. A chance to experience Philippe Fuchs’ race in 3D on Dassault Systèmes’ mini-website Fuchs supporters will be only a click away from the runner’s latest progress. A dedicated mini-website will allow fans to get his real-time position via a geolocation interface, video commentary on his cardiac performance, and multimedia from Fuchs himself of latest developments, thanks to his 3D avatar and Dassault Systèmes’ online TVnima broadcast application. Dassault Systèmes will feature the longest and zaniest relays in its Virtual Relay Hall of Fame on the dedicated mini-website, as well as a real-time counter of virtual (and real) kilometers run. The kilometers run by virtual participants will be added to those run by Fuchs, and Dassault Systèmes will contribute accordingly to Sports Without Borders’ efforts to improve the living conditions of children in Latin American, Africa and Asia with athletic programs. To follow or participate in the “Virtual Plus Reality Challenge" just click the link. Okay, I can deal with the marketing & promotion of a technology as a sports endeavor - however having said that....this is not my cup of tea - it's kind of interesting - on a technical level - the website is pretty cool and worth a click - and that's about it for me. Nonetheless have a great day!