Accenture Study Shows Majority of Athletes to Leverage Wearable Devices at 2014 New York City Triathlon

Accenture News Release:

July 29, 2014

Accenture Study Shows Majority of Athletes to Leverage Wearable Devices at 2014 New York City Triathlon

NEW YORK; July 29, 2014 – More than half (58 percent) of registered athletes plan to use wearable devices during this year’s New York City Triathlon (NYC Tri), according to a survey by Accenture.

Of those planning to wear the devices, nearly 75 percent of athletes said they will leverage wearable tech to track their speed and distance during this year’s NYC Tri on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Wearable technologies, linked to one of the six trends identified in the Accenture Technology Vision 2014, provide real-time intelligence allowing athletes to act and react faster and more intelligently in virtually any situation. According to the survey, nearly two-thirds (59 percent) will use the technology during the race for the first time and nearly the same amount said it will allow them to “maximize potential.”

“The research suggests that consumer wearables continue to surge in popularity, especially those tracking exercise and physical activity,” said John Ratzan, managing director, Accenture and 2014 NYC triathlete. “The intelligence provided by wearable devices will allow this year’s NYC triathletes to easily gain continuous insight into their performance – in real time – giving them the data necessary to make adjustments to their pace, distance, heart rate and cadence during each leg of the race.”

Of those who don’t plan to use wearable devices during this year’s race (17 percent), more than half (51 percent) said it was because they “never looked into them.” Expense (30 percent) and effectiveness (8 percent) came in lower on the list. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 42 percent of athletes using wearable devices plan to purchase another device in the near future – the majority citing the need for a replacement or a new device with a different function.

“Digital continues to make an impact in virtually every business, including sport,” said Ratzan. “In fact, we are finding that the majority of digital consumers, not just athletes, are investing in fitness and health monitors.”

About this Survey
Accenture is title sponsor of the Accenture Challenged Athletes International Championship, held during the New York City Triathlon on Sunday, August 3, 2014. The survey, conducted by Accenture, was based on a 19-question, five-minute online questionnaire of 225 athletes ages 18 years or older who are registered for the 2014 NYC Triathlon. Respondents were asked about their familiarity and adoption of wearable technology devices and if pertinent, their coordinating use and behaviors. The survey was conducted in June and July 2014.

About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 293,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$28.6 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2013. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
 

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