October 7, 2004
CHICAGO, October 7, 2004 – Boston-based New Balance announced today that it will extend its sponsorship of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon through 2007. New Balance has been an official event sponsor since 1997.
"New Balance is proud to continue our relationship as the official shoe and apparel of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, a race which has continuously produced some of the best performances in the country," says Jim Tompkins, president and COO of New Balance. "We believe strongly in partnerships that reflect our heritage in performance running and enable us to showcase our innovative products to runners."
As a sponsor of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, New Balance provides official merchandise, outfits volunteer staff and coordinates regional retail promotions and advertising activities. The New Balance mobile marketing team is on site during race weekend and Team New Balance athletes compete and participate in pre-race activities. New Balance showcases their full line of athletic footwear and apparel products at the Health & Fitness Expo and at retail locations around the Chicago area.
In 2003, the company launched the New Balance Final Five program for runners with on-course live band entertainment at miles 21-25.2 and also the New Balance Memorable Mile program, a unique way for supporters to personally dedicate a mile of the marathon to their runners. New Balance also became title sponsor of the marathon's Pacing Team program.
"New Balance has always worked closely with us to enhance the marathon experience for both runners and spectators," says Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
New for the 2004, New Balance is offering race spectators and enthusiasts a unique VIP ticket to the marathon experience with the debut of the New Balance Marathon Passport.
An all-access guide, the Marathon Passport is free at 25 Chicago-area participating New Balance retailers with any qualified New Balance purchase of $100 or more. The multi-faceted Marathon Passport program features an actual "passport" that includes a one-day Chicago Transit Authority pass, customized map of the marathon route, discount offer on any New Balance purchase at the 25 local retailers, information about New Balance elite runners, and marathon "must-know" facts.
Marathon Passport holders will receive access to the New Balance Nation -- on-course activity areas at Miles 13, 21 and exclusive grandstand seating and hospitality at the finish line. New Balance will offer free shuttle service to Marathon Passport holders between the New Balance Nation areas so spectators can view their runners at three different locations.
Also new for 2004, New Balance will also feature "Live Statues" on the Friday and Saturday of race weekend around the city of Chicago. The "Live Statues" will celebrate the local spirit of the marathon - each of the approximately thirty statues will feature an actual member of the Chicago running community and their running biography. They will be outfitted in New Balance performance apparel and footwear.
"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has long played a key role in fulfilling the dreams of thousands of aspiring marathoners from around the world," says Tompkins. "We salute the strength and achievements of these dedicated runners because we recognize that to finish is to win."
The extension also includes New Balance's role as Official Sponsor of The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, held annually in March, and The Standard Federal Race Series. New Balance will continue to be part of event promotional and advertising materials, have on-course signage, and access to additional marketing opportunities.
New Balance pioneered the modern long-distance running shoe with the introduction of the Trackster and is the premier manufacturer of width-sized, intelligently-designed, technically advanced U.S.-engineered footwear designed for serious performers.
For more information on New Balance and the Passport program and a list of participating retailers, please visit www.newbalance.com/passport. The New Balance Marathon Passport is available while supplies last.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure, and kids. New Balance employs more than 2,600 people around the globe, and in 2003 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com
