Free text-timing service for runners

Did you know you could send free text messages with your feet while you're running the London Marathon? Orange is offering all runners the chance to keep their friends and family updated with their progress on the 2004 Flora London Marathon, with a free text message service.

When you register you will be given a small timing chip, which attaches to your shoelaces. As you pass over electronic detectors, set at roughly 10km intervals, the chip records your time for that stage and your overall time for the race.

Orange will send these times as text messages, free of charge, to up to three of your nominated friends or family members on any network, so that they can keep track of your progress.

This is the first time a text-timing service has been used in the UK and it's part of Orange becoming official Communications Partner to the 2004 Flora London Marathon.

To register for this free service, simply click on the Orange logo on the London Marathon home page or visit www.orange.co.uk/marathon. All you need to register is your race number and your nominated mobile numbers.