Running USA wire 11, February 1, 2012

Multi-category extension as official footwear and apparel of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series; continued collaboration between two of the running industry's most recognized brands; series of entertainment-themed running events expands to 24 North American markets in 2012

SAN DIEGO - (February 1, 2012) - Competitor Group, Inc., (CGI), the leading media and event resource in the active lifestyle industry, and Brooks Sports, Inc., the #1 specialty running brand, have announced a multi-year, multi-category sponsorship renewal. Brooks will continue as the official footwear and apparel partner of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.

"We are proud to extend our successful partnership with Brooks, who owns the No. 1 market share position in specialty running," said Scott Dickey, President of CGI. "We see this renewal as a great sign of the confidence that Brooks has not only in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, but in the entire Competitor Group platform and the continued growth we see in running. We look forward to working together with Brooks to extend the reach of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series and help increase exposure of the Brooks brand."

In addition to their exclusive rights as the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, Brooks' sister brand, Moving Comfort, remains as the official sports bra for the series. Also a leader at specialty running, Moving Comfort owns the #1 position in the sports bra category.

The partnership between two of the running industry's most well-respected and recognized names has been successful, and featured the launch of the Brooks' Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities, a running-inspired carnival experience touring the country since 2010.

"Partnering with Rock 'n' Roll over the last two years has given us a great opportunity to share the Brooks brand and our 'Run Happy' philosophy with thousands of avid runners," said Dave Larson, Brooks Vice President of Marketing. "We are excited to extend our contract with Competitor and look forward to enhancing the race weekend experience for more runners as the series continues to expand and grow."

More than 450,000 professional and amateur athletes from all over the world will participate in a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series event in 2012, which has expanded to twenty-four markets in North America. The renewed agreement underlines the running brand's position and will help Brooks reach new audiences and expand awareness of their performance running footwear and apparel, including PureProject, the brand's new lightweight footwear collection. Brooks will participate in a number of marketing activities, including a growing presence in social media.

The series of marathons and half-marathons are known for placing entertainment stages along every mile of the course, lining the route with hundreds of local cheerleaders and then topping the experience off with a finish line concert celebration for all participants. The musically-themed races have spearheaded an active lifestyle movement that provides a unique entertainment outlet for people from all walks of life.

The events have become a fundraising powerhouse for charities who have developed endurance-training programs, such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® who have combined to raise in excess of $266 million (net) through the series since 1998.

For more information, go to: Competitor.com

Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon announces new features for 2012 including Urban 10 Miler

DENVER - (January 30, 2012) - Epic stadium run-through - seven miles of water on the urban marathon course - and a new 10 mile race. The Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay is Denver's springtime marathon and has lots of new features for 2012. Get ready for the ultimate urban tour of Denver, Aurora and Lakewood on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Highlights for 2012 event:

• The 26.2 mile marathon course runs through Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium - twice. At miles 6 and 20, runners will see themselves on the big screen as they run through the home of the Broncos.
• The marathon features seven miles of scenic waterways - including Sloan's Lake, Platte River, Cherry Creek Confluence Park, and Ferril Lake in City Park. Plus a run through Denver's Fire Station #1!
• The 13.1 mile course features a run through Aurora's Fire Station #1. The half-marathon course is fast and flat, and famous for setting personal records.
• NEW in 2012 - The Urban 10 Miler is a fast, challenging race - the best of the marathon course at a shorter distance! Spots are limited.
• The DaVita Charity Partners Program allows local charities to raise money by recruiting runners to raise funds and awareness - it's one of the top programs in the country.
• The Sports & Fitness Expo is at the club suites at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium May 18-19, 2012 - plenty of free parking at this convenient location.
• Local companies compete in the 5-person marathon relay Corporate Cup Challenge for cash awards from Kaiser Permanente and the Colfax Marathon to the winning teams' charity of choice.

The 7th edition - a Boston Marathon qualifier - begins and ends in Denver's City Park. The Urban 10 Miler course starts at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, follows the final miles of the marathon course, including a run through Mile High Stadium and ends in City Park.

"Every year, we strive to keep the marathon course fun," said Race Director Creigh Kelley. "This marathon course doesn't just stay on Colfax. It's truly an urban course, taking runners through the streets of our city, and giving them access to great landmarks like Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium."

The race welcomes local charities to participate in the DaVita Charity Partners program, where nonprofits recruit runners to raise funds for their cause. In 2011, 73 charities participated, making the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon the fourth largest charity program in the country.

"Our race mission is to encourage a healthy and fit community, and provide a distance for everyone," said Andrea Dowdy, Executive Director of the race for the third year. "In our seven years, we've seen a lot of great changes along the Colfax corridor, and we want the course to reflect that vibrant, caring community spirit."

"The Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon supports our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve. We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of this great event again this year and we want to encourage folks to take part in the fun," said Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, Kaiser Permanente Vice President of Government and External Relations.

Find more information and online registration at: www.runcolfax.org

Former Adams State, Team Running USA coach will inspire, educate and motivate attendees

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - (February 1, 2012) - Great coaches make you want to be a better athlete and a better person and there is no better example of this than Coach Joe Vigil, who will be the featured speaker at the 2012 adidas-McMillanElite High School Running Camp in July.

Coach Vigil will inspire, educate and motivate campers to become their best - not only in running but in life. Learn from an Olympic coach who knows what it takes to reach one's peak.

For the High School Coaches
Coach Joe Vigil will host a special coaches' social / roundtable for the high school coaches who bring athletes to the camp. This is an amazing opportunity to interact directly with one of the best coaches in the world.

Camp Details

• The camp will be held from July 22-27, 2012 in Flagstaff.
• Space in the camp is limited and spots are reserved based on the order deposits are received.
• Visit www.mcmillanelite.com/index.php/site/camp for details and registration and a cool highlight video of the 2011 camp produced by adidas and like last year, adidas will also provide a FREE pair of shoes to all members of teams (5 or more athletes) that attend the camp.

Record-breaking year solidifies marathon's status as a premier road race

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - (January 26, 2012) - Amid record-breaking registration numbers, the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon has announced a newly designed course and finish line that 20,000-plus runners will traverse on the May 6, 2012 race.

This year's race will represent the largest combined field of runners in the history of the race event, which includes the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay, UPMC Health Plan / UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run and Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon.

Since the rebirth of the race, registration numbers have steadily grown and have doubled since 2009. Total registration to-date is at 85% capacity, a 20% increase over where registration stood at this time last year.

"Our growth is a testament to our sponsors, spectacular course, community involvement and support from the City," stated Race Director Patrice Matamoros. "Each year we continue to build upon the last and are not only seeing increased interest from runners, but also from sponsors and community involvement. The Marathon has helped the City of Pittsburgh gain recognition as a first class venue for runners, as well as being a key factor in development for the city and a valued contributor to local charities."

A redesigned course and new finish line are the first of several changes set for the 2012 Marathon. Runner's will also have the opportunity to take advantage of an increased prize purse and a brand new cross training program designed to enhance training and injury prevention.

The new course will showcase the City of Pittsburgh and will maximize the runner experience and cater to the larger field of runners. The redesign will allow for a first-class finish line that will adequately house world-class medical facilities, spectators and the popular finish line festival.

• The start of the race will remain Downtown on Liberty Avenue.

• All Runners will then cross five bridges 16th Street, 9th Street, 7th Street, West End and Birmingham bridges.

• The UPMC Health Plan Half Marathon course will now continue across the Birmingham Bridge and exit left to Forbes Avenue. Ultimately, the course will end to a downhill finish on the Boulevard of the Allies.

• The Dick's Sporting Goods Marathon course will follow the outbound route through Oakland, Shadyside, Point Breeze and Bloomfield as in previous years.

• Marathon runners will return via Liberty Avenue, Smithfield Street and then onto the Boulevard of the Allies.

• Course maps are available online at www.pittsburghmarathon.com

Growth of Race Fuels Increased Sponsorships and Community Involvement
Launched in 2011, the UPMC Health Plan / UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run opens the weekend's events to a greater range of participants, including first-time racers, and the friends and family of marathoners and half-marathoners.

Back by popular demand this year will be the Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon and the Kids of STEEL program presented by Giant Eagle. The program continues to gain popularity with 30 schools participating from over 14 different schools districts in the Kids of STEEL program, which promotes fitness and nutrition.

Both the UPMC Health Plan / UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run and Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon also will see course changes that will be announced at a later date.

As part of its growth plan, the Marathon is also opening up new sponsorship opportunities, including the chance to energize fans by being the face of the race's growing entertainment and community festivals that include the Music by the Mile and Cheerathoners program.

"The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon has become a valuable event to the Pittsburgh community in many ways, by highlighting the great assets of our community, raising money for charities and promoting the City on a national level," stated Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is a non-profit organization that promotes the love of long-distance running and enhances community involvement in fitness activities through high quality events for a wide variety of ages and abilities.

Visit www.pittsburghmarathon.com for more information.