BOSTON, March 17, 2011 - Global athletic leader New Balance announced today the signing of an official sponsorship deal with the historic Carlsbad 5000. The company will serve as the official footwear and apparel sponsor of this year's 26th annual race, which will be
NEW BALANCE SIGNS ON AS OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL SPONSOR OF CARLSBAD 5000
BOSTON, March 17, 2011 – Global athletic leader New Balance announced today the signing of an official sponsorship deal with the historic Carlsbad 5000. The company will serve as the official footwear and apparel sponsor of this year's 26th annual race, which will be held in Carlsbad, CA on Sunday, April 3, 2011.
The Carlsbad 5000, the world's fastest 5K, features a 3.1 mile seaside course, scenic views and a post-race "Party by the Sea". The annual event features a series of nine races, including a highly competitive elite division that has been the site of 16 world records and 11 American records.
"New Balance is thrilled to become a sponsor of the prestigious Carlsbad 5000," says Josh Rowe, running marketing manager at New Balance. "The race is rich in history and as such it attracts both elite and everyday runners. There is an excellent opportunity to for us to highlight our innovative footwear, apparel, and unique brand attributes to runners of all abilities."
As the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the race, New Balance will showcase their performance running collection at the weekend's Health and Fitness Expo, provide a technical performance top as the official participant shirt and offer a new line of Carlsbad 5000 branded performance merchandise – which will be available to runners all weekend at the race expo. Race and volunteer staff will also be outfitted in New Balance products.
"We are thrilled to welcome New Balance as a partner," said Shannon Davis, Event Manager. "The Carlsbad 5000 has built a proud legacy over the last 26 years as a premier running event and New Balance shares that vision in both the quality of their gear and their commitment to the race."
The Carlsbad 5000 began in 1986 and quickly established the 5K (3.1 mile) as a recognized racing distance, eventually outpacing the 10K as the most popular running distance in the country. Elite runners annually seek to test their speed at the historic event, while thousands of everyday runners, families and spectators along the course share in the accomplishment of the finish line.
Races will begin at 7:05am on Sunday, April 3rd with nine races designed to include walkers, wheelchair athletes and runners of all abilities. At 12:15pm, the world's fastest athletes will toe the start line in the Elite Invitational. Participants can relax and enjoy the beer garden as they celebrate their own accomplishment and watch the elites vie for a lucrative prize purse and a new world record.
Race weekend kicks off with the Junior Carlsbad on Saturday, April 2. More than 2,500 children ages two-12 will take part in a variety of age appropriate races of varying distances.
A free Health & Fitness Expo takes place on race weekend, running from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2 and 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. Located on Roosevelt Street between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive, the Expo serves as Carlsbad 5000 race registration headquarters, allowing participants to pick up their race number, timing chip, t-shirt and goodie bag.
More information, including a full schedule of races and registration, is available online at carlsbad.competitor.com.
About the Carlsbad 5000
The Carlsbad 5000 annually attracts amateur, competitive and professional runners from around the world. It is the only road race from a commonly run distance in the world that is home to the world records and its home country records for both genders. Race day begins at 7:05am with the Masters Men 40 and over, the first of nine races that will take place throughout the morning. The main event, featuring the world's fastest professional athletes, begins at 12:15pm. The event is the home of the current world 5K road records: 13:00, Sammy Kipketer (KEN), 2000 & 2001, and 14:46, Meseret Defar (ETH), 2006. For more information or to view the full race day schedule, visit carlsbad.competitor.com or call 800-311-1255.
About New Balance:
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance employs more than 4000 people around the globe, and in 2009 reported worldwide sales of $1.65 billion. For more information please visit https://www.newbalance.com