The Los Angeles Marathon is catering to mobile-savvy runners with a new application that includes GPS-enabled maps and activity tracking technology powered by Fitbit.

The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon app, now available for Android and iOS devices, was designed to merge fitness training with technology in an accessible way. As health-oriented fitness features on mobile devices gain traction, marathon participants will undoubtedly flock to the app to track their progress, read information about surrounding landmarks and access training tips prior to the event.

?Our runners are active by nature, so we make every effort to meet them where they?re at,? said Ryan Cavinder, marketing manager at Los Angeles Marathon LLC. ?Partnering with Fitbit for the official race app allows us to engage with our runners on a year-round basis, providing them with training tips and special discounts while motivating them to live a more active, healthy lifestyle.

?We pride ourselves in producing a world-class marathon and our partnership with Fitbit gives our runners the tools necessary to train smarter, live healthier lives and cross the finish line motivated to train for their next race.?

Inspiration via mobile
The Los Angeles Marathon and Fitbit are hoping to inspire runners in the lead-up to the big day, which takes place on February 14, 2016. The brands aim to encourage healthy lifestyles and positive experiences for fitness fans of all levels and abilities, and find mobile to be an opportune channel for doing so.

The app, which is powered by Fitbit, provides an interactive experience that offers spectators, runners and other Los Angeles residents easy access to information about the event, as well as features meant to enhance their engagement.

Users will be able to track their progress by leveraging the GPS-enabled course map, which also serves as a navigation tool. The map will note any amenities available along the race, such as water stations, and will also provide information about the various entertainment acts and landmarks visible throughout the course.

Runners deep in the throes of preparation may view the training tips and inspiration offered by Fitbit Ambassadors, which include marathoner Dean Karnazes and distance runners Sara and Ryan Hall.

Social media also plays an integral role in the app, enabling participants to jump into digital conversations surrounding the race. Users will be able to access the unique Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon Instagram borders as well, which give Skechers the opportunity to sneak in more branded content in a way that feels organic to running fans.

On the day of the marathon, runners can tap Fitbit?s activity tracking technology to maximize their personal results, and use health-oriented tools including automatic heart rate tracking.

Setting personal records
Fitbit hopes its mobile features will help fitness enthusiasts train more effectively for the Los Angeles Marathon. Its platform consists of a variety of activity trackers with social media tools, data analytics, virtual coaching and personalized insights.

The brand has previously made strides in the digital health sector by entering into several partnerships.

Thermos is one of the latest brands to partner with Fitbit in creating connected wearable devices for fitness and health-related content, with its tech water bottle including a smart lid that tracks users' water intake (see story).

The 2016 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon app will likely serve as a valuable digital running buddy for race participants, especially those who want to share their experiences with social followers and take advantage of gaining information about the sights and landmarks along the course.

?Mobile has increasingly become our primary means of connecting with our runners, so it is critical that we have an effective, engaging tool like the official race app,? Mr. Cavinder said. ?We want to take a step beyond producing a world-class race and take the marathon journey with our runners from their first step in training.?

Final Take
Alex Samuely, staff writer on Mobile Marketer, New York