FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Steven Karpas
(713) 957-3453
Houston Marathon Seeks Title Sponsor for 2006 Event
HOUSTON - (May 16, 2005) - Houston's premier running event is seeking a
title sponsor to run with in 2006. HP's five-year sponsorship commitment,
the high-profile title sponsorship of the Houston Marathon, is now
available to interested companies or organizations.
"We enjoyed a tremendous partnership with HP," said Brant Kotch, race
director of the Houston Marathon. "Through the collaboration, the event
became the most technologically advanced marathon in the country and
experienced significant growth. The Houston Marathon is more successful
than it's ever been, and we believe the title sponsorship represents an
exceptional opportunity for another company to be part of our future."
The Houston Marathon, a tradition for 32 years, is the most recognized road
race in Houston and one of the top marathons in the country. In 2005, more
than 17,200 runners participated in three HP Houston Marathon weekend
events - the flagship 26.2-miler, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the
Houston Press 5K. Participation increased 21 percent from 2003, and as a
result, the weekend raised $800,000 for Houston-area charities as part of
the event's Run for a Reason program.
"The Houston Marathon is more than just a race," said Kotch. "The event
touches the lives of so many: the runners who participate, the
organizations that benefit from our charity program, the 5,000 volunteers
who make it possible and the many thousands of spectators who inspire the
runners each year. The marathon is a true community effort. But as with any
event of this kind, it takes support from sponsors to make it all happen."
Title sponsorship offers a premium branding opportunity with significant
exposure in all aspects of the event from signage to T-shirts to media
coverage with an estimated value of $6 million. In addition to community
visibility, past event sponsors have found the event an excellent vehicle
for employee involvement. Combined, the marathon and its associated events
will contribute $25 million to Houston's economy.
"While securing a title sponsor is critical to ensuring the continued
long-term success of the marathon, we are blessed with broad support from
companies and organizations at other sponsorship levels," Kotch said.
"Planning is well underway for our 2006 event Sunday, Jan. 15, and we're
eager to welcome a new title sponsor to help further grow Houston's largest
single-day sporting event and a great community tradition."
Online registration opens June 15 for the 2006 Houston Marathon, Half
Marathon and 5K at HoustonMarathon.com.
The Houston Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is the nation's
premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S.
states and 30 foreign countries. In 2005, more than 17,200 runners took
part in three marathon weekend events (marathon, half-marathon, and 5K).
The Houston Marathon offers the only closed marathon course in Texas and is
ranked among the top five in the nation by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons
for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000
volunteers organize the race, which is Houston's largest single-day
sporting event. More information is available online at HoustonMarathon.com
or by calling (713) 957-3453.
# # #
|
