In this episode, Marcel Altenburg, senior lecturer in crowd science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains how crowd science helps both race organizers and runners by improving race logistics and participant experiences. He shares insights into how marathons are planned, how start waves and corrals are determined, and how crowd management can increase race capacity. Marcel also discusses how race organizers use predictive algorithms to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the course and how these principles extend beyond running events.Key Topics Discussed: How Crowd Science Improves Runner Experience

• Runners benefit from optimized start times and corral placements, ensuring smooth movement from start to finish.

• Predictions about density, overtaking patterns, and hydration stations help organizers create a better race experience.

The Role of the Start Right Algorithm for Race Organizers

• The algorithm helps race directors assign runners to waves and corrals based on pace, past race times, and expected conditions.
• It predicts how many runners will cross the finish line at peak times, enabling organizers to prepare medical and volunteer support.

Increasing Race Capacity While Maintaining Safety

• Adding more time or space isn’t always the best way to increase participants. Instead, better runner order and wave management can allow more people to run.

• Race organizers can adjust race logistics dynamically to ensure safety while allowing more participants.

Real-Time Adjustments and Crisis Planning for Races

• Unexpected challenges like transportation delays, protests, or weather changes require quick adaptations.
• The system allows race directors to shift medical teams, aid stations, and crowd control measures in real time.

Lessons for Runners and Race Organizers Beyond Running Events

• Marcel explains how the same crowd science principles apply to concerts, stadiums, expos, and airports, improving overall crowd management.
• Runners can appreciate why races structure waves and corrals in specific ways, ensuring a fair and smooth race experience for everyone.