Before everyone starts spouting off on CJ...was his faster "marathon" a few weeks ago the same elevation gain/loss as Boston? Im genuinely curious as I have no idea!
Regarding tech making coverage more interesting: The Vasaloppet nordic ski race television broadcast once made the elites wear pulse measuring devices sending data to a live feed meant to enhance the viewing experience. Sounds cool, right? Well, it didn't play out that way. With about 10K to go the favorite and a lead challenger was battling up front, both looking equally spent - but the favorite had a pulse around 130 and the challenger around 180 - so the outcome was obvious to viewers and commentators waaaay before the favorite took off on his own later.