Single-Board Computers in Ultramarathon Research: A Low-Cost Edge-Sensing Framework for Environmental Exposure, Movement, and Fueling

This independent undergraduate research paper by Peter McGrath explores how low-cost single-board computers, particularly the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, could be used to collect and analyze environmental, movement, and fueling data during ultramarathon training and racing. The research examines the potential integration of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, GPS, accelerometers, heart-rate monitors, and manual nutrition tracking into a portable data-collection system. Drawing on endurance physiology, wearable technology research, and Appalachian trail-running conditions, the paper proposes a 24-week field study to evaluate sensor accuracy, battery performance, data reliability, and practical usability. The project aims to make endurance research more accessible through affordable, customizable technology while supporting future investigations into environmental exposure, athletic performance, and ultramarathon fueling strategies. Research status: Technical literature review and proposed field study. No prototype has been built or experimentally tested, and no original sensor data were collected. Author: Peter McGrath Institutional background: Undergraduate student at Appalachian State University; research conducted independently. Year: 2026