06 Aug Brooks and Competitor Group Extend Partnership
Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI) and Brooks Running Company announced a sponsorship extension through 2020. The continued partnership, which began in 2010, designates Brooks as the official running footwear, apparel and sports bra of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.
Brooks will become presenting sponsor of all Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K events and also create an official Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series footwear and apparel line.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, a race series that perfectly aligns with Brooks Running Company’s purpose to inspire everyone to run and be active,” said Dan Sheridan, Brooks’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America. “We want to continue to connect with runners in meaningful ways and celebrate the power of the run in their lives. Our collaborative partnership with Competitor Group gives us a great platform to do just that.”
The renewed agreement underlines Brooks’ mission to be the No. 1 choice for runners worldwide by partnering with the world’s largest running series to reach new audiences and expand awareness of its performance running footwear and apparel. Brooks will participate in a number of innovative marketing programs, including growing a presence through Rock ‘n’ Roll’s expanding digital platform, as well as a variety of promotional, branding and hospitality components. The deal also includes an annual integrated media campaign through CGI’s two running titles, Competitor and Women’s Running.
“I have worked with Brooks for more than 20 years and understand the commitment they have to runners and passion for growing the sport of running,” said John Smith, SVP of National Sales for CGI. “Their creative support will help continue to take our events to even greater levels of success with innovative campaigns encompassing social media, retail activations and race weekend experiences at Rock ‘n’ Roll destinations across the country.”
The long-standing partnership between two of the running industry’s most well-known brands has brought to life memorable runner experiences at race expos across the country, including Brooks’ Run Happy Island, a running-inspired, island tropic experience, and the Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities.
More than 600,000 professional and amateur athletes from all over the world will participate in a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series event in 2015, which has expanded to 30 markets worldwide. Last year the series introduced the popular “Remix Challenge,” offering an extended weekend of running with 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon distances to engage runners of all abilities. The musically-themed races have spearheaded an active lifestyle movement that provides unique entertainment for people from all walks of life.