FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dallas White Rock Marathon Rebrands as Dallas Marathon
New name, new logo unveiled at City Hall press conference
DALLAS - (May 23, 2012) - At a press conference Wednesday, the Dallas White
Rock Marathon board of trustees announced a major rebrand of the city's
oldest and largest annual marathon, removing "White Rock" from the race's
name and introducing a new, contemporized logo identity. Since 1971, the
Dallas White Rock Marathon has been a mainstay for the running community,
growing from just a few hundred runners to a field upwards of 25,000 in
2011 and expanding to include a half marathon, relay race and the Mayor's
Race 5K.
The transition to the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon comes on the heels of race
organizers' March announcement that the start and finish lines for the
December 9, 2012, marathon, half-marathon and marathon relays are moving to
Downtown Dallas. While White Rock Lake has been and will continue to be a
key element of the marathon route, the move reflects an effort to better
embody the race's evolution to a world class running event in line with
some of the world's best-known races.
"The new name is indicative of our renewed partnership with the City of
Dallas, and consistent with our goal to attract more participants," said
Kevin Snyder, chairman of the Dallas Marathon board of trustees. "As one of
the oldest, largest and best-organized running events in Dallas, we share a
mutual desire with the city to highlight Dallas' spectacular assets to a
growing field of visiting and local runners each year."
The Dallas Marathon name is more consistent with naming conventions of
other top city races around the world and is expected to be more
recognizable to out-of-town participants, who may not be familiar with
White Rock Lake. Total participant registration in the race has increased
nearly 25 percent in the previous two years, and will be capped at 25,000
runners in 2012.
"With the renaissance under way downtown, we're excited about the
opportunity to showcase all Dallas has to offer to both local and visiting
participants and visitors," said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. "This race is
a major contributor to the city's economy, filling room nights and
restaurants during a time that is otherwise quiet for meetings and
conventions."
Participants in the 43rd running of the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon will cross
the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge as the sun rises over downtown, and
travel past Dallas' newest urban greenspace, Klyde Warren Park. The full
marathon course will continue east to loop White Rock Lake, with all events
ending Downtown near the Dallas Convention Center. Complete course details
will be announced later this summer.
Snyder and City Manager Mary Suhm also unveiled a new logo during
Wednesday's City Hall press conference, designed by award-winning graphic
identity firm RBMM of Dallas.
"Our new name and logo represent evolution and modernization of this
event," said Dallas Marathon executive director Marcus Grunewald. "This
race truly has grown into a citywide effort - from working with DART,
Dallas Police, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, the Dallas
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dallas City Hall and the mayor, to our
3,000-plus volunteers - we ensure that our race positively impacts the
Dallas community and provides a world-class experience to runners and
spectators."
The MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Person Relay, and SMU Cox
Corporate Relay Challenge Presented by Behringer Harvard are Sunday,
December 9, 2012. The Mayor's Race 5K is Saturday, December 8, 2012.
Registration opens June 1 and is expected to sell out. Visit
DallasMarathon.com
About the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon
The MetroPCS Dallas Marathon is a flat and fast race, featuring a scenic
course that highlights the best areas of Dallas including the landmark
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The race is
Texas' oldest running marathon and serves as a qualifying event for the
Boston Marathon. Race activities occur the second weekend of each December
and include a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, the Mayor's Race 5K, and the
MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Person Relay, and SMU Cox
Corporate Relay Challenge Presented by Behringer Harvard. The Dallas
Marathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; the primary beneficiary of proceeds from
race weekend is Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
For more information, visit: DallasMarathon.com
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