For the first time, the Boston Athletic Association has created a mobile app to help runners and spectators at the 2013 Boston Marathon maximize their handheld Patriots' Day experience.

The BAAMarathon app will allow spectators to track up to ten runners in the April 15th race, and select for which checkpoints (10K, Half, 30K, Finish) they would like real-time updates of these runners. Spectators will also be able to search for runners by bib number or by name, view a real-time race leaderboard, and search for results after the race.

The app allows runners to easily view key race information, tour the race course via Maps, and easily share their race experience with the Boston Marathon on social media before or after the race.

All consumers who download the free app will be able to link to the B.A.A. YouTube channel and photo galleries, learn about the world-class athletes in the John Hancock Elite Athlete Program, and peruse the rich history of the Boston Marathon for past champions, course records, and race synopses from 117 years of Boston Marathon history.