Feldspar to Build World's First Sensor-Enabled Running Track To Boost Athlete Performance And Transform Live Sports Experiences

LONDON, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Feldspar Limited ["Feldspar"], the UK-based technology company, today announced that it is building the world's first sensor-enabled performance running track, poised to redefine athletic performance and live sports entertainment. This pioneering innovation represents the first major technological advancement in track and field running in nearly 60 years, laying the foundation for an unparalleled new immersive experience in live sports.

For the first time, Feldspar's performance running track will incorporate advanced sensors in addition to camera-based methods to directly measure the movement of athletes through their footsteps and stride to capture data in real-time, bringing new levels of precision in analysing running performance. 

Feldspar's next-generation modular sports flooring and tracking software solution will integrate patent-pending technologies and state-of-the-art materials into the track design, enabling a novel and unprecedented way of energy return and conversion*. This performance innovation will allow athletes to achieve a faster running speed compared to what is currently possible today and push the boundaries of human performance.

Offering complex and historically hard-to-access data, such as stride length, acceleration rate and max velocity in real-time, this technology has the potential to revolutionise the spectator experience at live sports events as well as to attract new enthusiasts who value innovative, visually captivating, and tech-driven premier sports entertainment. 

To further enhance performance, Feldspar will also integrate an AI-powered data analytics tool and sports tracking software intended to redefine professional coaching and optimise training for athletes. This includes adjusting competition strategy before, during and after races, and identifying potential areas of injuries based on granular individual data and in-depth athlete profiles. 

Alvina Chen, Founder and CEO of Feldspar said, "While we have seen a high level of innovation in running shoes, apparel, and training methods in recent years, it's incredible that the modern synthetic running track itself has remained largely unchanged since the 1968 Summer Olympics."  

Chen continued, "There is a huge opportunity in revolutionising this sport. By digitising the running track Feldspar is not only providing new avenues for athletes' development and pushing the boundaries of human performance but also moving athletics towards a new era of exhilarating, high-energy live international events, similar to what we see in other sports, like football and motorsports."

Chen added, "Our ambition with our next generation running track is to set a new benchmark for athlete performance and fan engagement for future world competitions, including the Olympic Games, and beyond." 

Feldspar is working with the UK's top engineers, industrial designers, and data scientists to develop the high-performance, premium running track prototype, with real-time testing set to begin later this year. Production of the flooring solution is expected to begin in 2025.

Founded by former professional track runner Alvina Chen, the inspiration to reinvent the running track struck during her international racing career.

The company has secured initial backing from Hong Kong-based investors which will be used to develop the high-performance running track prototype.

Follow Feldspar to receive the latest news on the product and the what's next.  

* Feldspar's performance flooring is intended to be able to convert significantly more of a runner's energy from vertical to horizontal, which enables a faster running speed. It also has the potential to provide substantially higher energy return, compared to other commercially available sports flooring used in premier athletic competitions today. This is based on Feldspar's modelling.

About Feldspar 
Feldspar is a technology company with a vision to transform athletics with the world's first integrated smart flooring system. Engineered to boost the performance of athletes and elevate fan engagement at global sports events, the innovative solution seamlessly integrates cutting-edge flooring and sensor technology into the modular track, setting a new standard in the industry. For more information, visit www.feldsparsport.com.

Media contact: press@feldsparsport.com 

Video - https://www.youtube.com/embed/g7vXILBxCZ4?autoplay=0

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Feldspar to Build World's First Sensor-Enabled Running Track To Boost Athlete Performance And Transform Live Sports Experiences

Feldspar to Build World's First Sensor-Enabled Running Track To Boost Athlete Performance And Transform Live Sports Experiences

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has revealed that the Riyadh Book Fair 2024 is its largest edition yet, featuring a diverse range of translated international books. With more than 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishers participating, the Fair has strengthened its position as a leading cultural event in the Arab world. This year's edition promotes Saudi Arabia's cultural openness and supports the spread of cross-border knowledge.

The 2024 Fair edition stands out for hosting renowned thinkers, intellectuals, and global figures in literature, art, and knowledge who share their insights and success stories with the public. Among the key speakers are Fareed Zakaria, acclaimed media personality and author; Walter Isaacson, world-renowned biographer; poet and writer Kwame Alexander; and acclaimed novelist Jonathan Franzen. The Fair also features prominent literary and artistic figures from the Middle East.

Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, emphasised the significance of the Fair, stating: "The Riyadh International Book Fair is not only one of the most important book fairs in the Arab region but also a premier platform for publishers and authors to expand their reach in the Arab cultural market. This year's edition is especially notable for its focus on cultural diversity and translation, with an exceptional programme featuring some of the world's leading intellectuals."

During his visit, His Excellency Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressed admiration for the Saudi public's enthusiasm for reading. CNN's Fareed Zakaria praised the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and its growing global influence.

This year also marks the return of the popular "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, featuring several French publishers. Al-Saeed Ezz, Communication Officer at the French Embassy, noted that this year's programme has expanded to include children's activities and free French language courses in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute, bringing French culture closer to Saudi visitors.

The Riyadh International Book Fair plays a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030's cultural goals, contributing to the Kingdom's cultural economy, projected to reach $9.3 billion. Attracting over one million visitors annually, it ranks among the highest-selling book fairs in the Arab world.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Riyadh International Book Fair 2024: Expanding Global Dialogue through the Largest Collection of Translated Works