Competitor Group Inc (CGI), the leading media and event resource in the active lifestyle industry, has announced a partnership with McDonald’s USA as the official quick service restaurant sponsor of five upcoming events in the popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.
The sponsorship kicks off in Southern California at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Sunday 3 June 2012.
McDonald’s will introduce runners and spectators in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia and Denver to ‘wholesome menu choices, while also encouraging a balanced approach to nutrition and activity.’ As the company points out, McDonald’s long-standing support of sports initiatives includes programs that promote physical activity at the local, national and global levels through partnerships with thousands of sporting associations.
“In addition to our global Olympics sponsorship, McDonald’s has been a long-time supporter of sports programs and active lifestyle events in local communities across the country,” said Cindy Goody, Senior Director of Nutrition for McDonald’s USA LLC. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events offer us an ideal opportunity to engage with participants around our menu, as well as our commitments to nutrition and to helping our customers make choices that are right for them when visiting McDonald’s.”
“Runners who participate in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series are an inspiration to others looking to improve their lifestyle through physical activity and healthier eating,” added John Smith, Senior Vice President at Competitor Group. “McDonald’s commitment to serving balanced food and beverage choices aligns well with our audience and will resonate with participants. We are thrilled to partner with McDonald’s as the official quick service restaurant, and know our runners will enjoy McDonald’s as well.”
Earlier this year, Competitor Group and Brooks Sports Inc confirmed a multi-year, multi-category sponsorship renewal – with Brooks continuing as the official footwear and apparel partner of CGI’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.
CGI has also taken major steps in building its event portfolio in 2012. The company acquired the Nation’s Triathlon and formed a multi-year partnership with Washington Sports & Event Management LLC (WSEM) in February. While in January, CGI confirmed the acquisition of the Austin Triathlon, with the event to be rebranded as part of the Land Rover TriRock Triathlon Series.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is unlike any other running event, with live bands and cheerleaders creating a party-like atmosphere along each mile of the race course in 23 cities nationwide and internationally. Over the 15 year history of the series, runners have raised more than US$270 million for a variety of charities and non-profit organizations. Thousands of runners will visit a two-day Health and Fitness Expo at all five events prior to the race. Serious runners, beginners and spectators can access the very latest in running gear, nutrition and experts hosting interactive clinics each day.
