Marine Corps Marathon Partners with Award-Winning Bates Creative Group – Bates Creative Group to oversee MCM rebranding, event program redesign, new logo development

QUANTICO, Va. – (June 29, 2011) – The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is partnering with Washington, DC-based graphic design powerhouse Bates Creative Group on a rebranding initiative that will include the 2011 MCM keepsake event program and a refreshed brand identity.

"Our experience working with the U.S. Marine Corps for the last eight years on Marines magazine has been an absolute pleasure and has become one of our proudest portfolio pieces," said Debbie Bates-Schrott, Bates Creative Group president. "We are thrilled to further our involvement with the Marines by becoming an official sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon."

Bates Creative Group was founded almost a decade ago by Bates-Schrott. The agency recently was awarded eight elite design awards, six of which were for its work with Marines magazine, including Outstanding Flagship Publication (Thomas Jefferson Award from the Department of Defense) and several awards from the Association Media & Publishing and the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington.

Bates Creative Group's existing partnership with Marines magazine and its award-winning Marine Corps portfolio, makes the agency the right fit for the MCM as its brand evolves after 35 years.

"Bates Creative Group is the perfect partner to take on the multi-tiered challenge of rebranding the Marine Corps Marathon," said Marc Goldman, MCM Sponsorship/Marketing Manager. "The updated identity of this great event will celebrate its history as one of the largest and best-organized marathons while also properly representing it as a Marine Corps operation."

Voted the best marathon for families, the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize money, known as "The People's Marathon". The 36th MCM will be held on Sunday, October 30 in Arlington, VA. Visit marinemarathon.com for more information.