One Water Race pushes the limits of live production with LiveU
Off the beaten track, LiveU’s mobile transmission solutions enable 50+ hours live coverage of the world’s most extreme long-distance race from the ground, water and air
Background
Considered to be the toughest race on the globe, the One Water Race provides the ultimate proof of human capacity. With no predefined track to follow, the contestants need to find their way through the Stockholm archipelago – the largest of its kind in Sweden, comprising 30,000 islands and stretching over an area of 1,700 square kilometers. Far away from any comfort zone, the One Water Race takes contestants through dark woods, rocky landscapes and the rough sea, covering a distance equal to running six marathons.
A total of 10 teams competed in the 2024 edition of the One Water Race, spending over 50 hours in constant motion and without sleep as they ran, climbed and swam to make it to the finish line. For the second year running, the adventurous race was filmed with multiple cameras and broadcast live all around the world. In order to capture the teams’ journey from various angles, the contestants were accompanied by a 90-people production crew, including multi-camera equipped ultra runners, boats with skippers, ENG teams as well as drone operators.
The Challenge
Faced with wild nature and over two days of non-stop action, the One Water Race presented an unparalleled challenge to the video crew following the contestants along their routes. From the beginning, it was clear that the production would push both humans and technology beyond the line of what is deemed possible today. How can you ensure an uninterrupted live broadcast from the most remote locations, with no fixed power outlet or internet connection in reach?
As the athletes were constantly on the move, production required a fully mobile set-up. Moreover, it was crucial to source compact, light video gear that could be carried on-person, without adding unnecessary weight. The fact that the teams were in different locations during the race further increased the complexity and required a remote production.
A production as complex and demanding as the One Water Race calls for the right solution, the right equipment, and the right partner. With LiveU, we have the confidence to cover every angle of the competition, ensuring exceptional quality and bringing the thrill of the Swedish wilderness directly to audiences worldwide.
Thomas Ogander, Founder and CEO of One Water Race
The Solution
Following successful tests, the One Water Race organizers chose LU300S, LiveU’s lightweight, portable encoder, to transmit live feeds from various handheld cams and drones. A total of 13 units were deployed in the field. With the internal battery of the LU300S lasting several hours and the option to add an external battery, the camera operators didn’t need to worry about powering the units via cable.
The connectivity challenge was solved by LiveU’s cellular bonding technology. Each LU300S utilized multiple mobile networks to deliver a rock-solid live signal to the OB truck stationed at the NEP facilities in Stockholm. This is where the final program feed was produced and distributed to broadcasters worldwide, serving 190 countries. It also aired on 10 digital platforms so viewers could experience the One Water Race live online.