Runner’s World, ‘the largest and most influential media brand in the running space’, has signed a partnership deal with Spartan Race, a global leader in obstacle racing since 2005. The new deal includes custom digital content, racer-focused benefits, training plans and event activations.
The collaboration between these two premier fitness brands kicked off in the July issue of Runner’s World magazine, which reaches over three million people monthly in print. Highlights of Runner’s World’s involvement in Spartan Race events include:
- Customized Spartan Race training plans designed by Runner’s World experts;
- Exclusive stories and videos to be available only on Spartan.com;
- Runner’s World content on Spartan.com; and
- A Runner’s World presence at select Spartan Race events.
“Non-traditional running events such as the Reebok Spartan Race have really taken off in the last five years,” said Runner’s World Publisher Molly O’Keefe. “Our core mission is to welcome and engage all runners, and this new partnership with Spartan Race allows us to continue on that path with obstacle racers.”
She added, “The growth of Spartan Race into a global brand underscores their ability to create and deliver a first-class experience, showcasing the social and physical benefits of running and ultimately attracting new runners to our sport.”
According to a Running USA Study, in just five years, the number of estimated finishers in non-traditional events has grown from low six figures in 2009 to four million in 2013, a nearly 40-fold increase.
“We’re excited to kick-off the partnership with Runner’s World,” said Colby Connell, Spartan Race’s Vice President of Marketing. “Our goal is to expand the way people view health and fitness. While we provide people with an alternative to more traditional running events, Spartan Race is still a race at the end of the day and our heritage comes out of distance running.
“We believe that Runner’s World’s knowledge of training, nutrition, and race day preparation will greatly help our current race community. We also believe the alliance will help educate those in the traditional road race and trail running communities on how to optimally train for a Spartan Race.
“This partnership is yet another key factor in growing the emerging sport of obstacle racing along the proper channels and helping millions of people off their couch and out the door, living fitter lives.”
Rodale’s Runner’s World is published in 18 international editions: Argentina (2014), Australia/New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States.
Founded in 2010, Spartan Race is a global leader in the sport of obstacle racing. Currently, Spartan offers three primary race formats, ‘Sprint’ (3+ miles; 15+ obstacles), ‘Super’ (8+ miles; 20+ obstacles) and ‘Beast’ (13+ miles; 25+ obstacles), along with a shorter format race for children.
Unlike other obstacle-focused events, Spartan Races are always timed and competitors are encouraged to accumulate completion medals at each of the primary race distances to achieve ‘Trifecta’ status. There are over 40 races slated for the United States in 2014, and 70 races taking place across 17 countries internationally
www.runnersworld.com
www.spartan.com
