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The program built around an exclusive 16-week marathon training plan and 10-week half-marathon plan, created by Runner's World's Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, kicked off www.runnersworld.com/challenge in January 2010. Saucony, the leading manufacturer of award-winning premium running shoes, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Runner's World Challenge.
The 2010 Runner's World Challenge will feature a premium-training site through a partnership with TrainingPeaks, the most powerful web-based training and nutrition platform for runners. Runners will have the option to choose between two training programs based on individualized goals.
* The General Challenge / "Train with Us" ($130 for full marathon/$99 for half) is intended for all runners, regardless of what 2010 full or half-marathon they are training for, and will feature personalized marathon training tools including a four-month trial of RW's Personal Trainer; weekly training e-mails from Bart Yasso targeting specific goals; online training logs; and printable quick reference guides for their specific training plans. These challengers will also obtain access to RW's brand new private microsite, built exclusively for RW Challengers, offering up expert advice, motivational tips and community-driven support. Subscribers will also receive a branded Challenge shirt and choose one of the following complimentary RW books: The Runner's Rule Book or The Runner's World Guide to Road Racing.
* Event Specific Challenges / "Train with Us & Run with Us" (starting at $250 for full marathon / $240 for half) will include the above mentioned along with targeted programs for subscribers who would like to run any of the four full or half-marathons with Runner's World's seasoned editors. On-site, challengers will receive a race entry as well as elite admission to the Runner's World VIP area where challengers will gather pre and post race, pick up their numbers, check their bags and receive a well-earned post-race massage. The VIP areas will also have bathrooms with no lines at the start of the race and a post race buffet designed by RW's editors to enhance recovery, including a smoothie bar.
Willey, along with Runner's World editors will be training alongside all marathon challenge participants and all editors will participate in one of the four marathons in 2010. In-book and online, the editors will share their best tips on nutrition, injury-prevention, health issues and other essential training topics. Readers will be privy to videos, podcasts and articles to help achieve their training goals.
"Extending the RW Challenge to four cities allows us to further connect with the ever-growing running community on a more personal level. We are excited to see how respective running communities will respond to such a unified approach and are confident the opportunity to train and succeed together will be a win-win for all participants," said Willey.
In this first-ever partnership, Saucony branding will appear on all-things Challenge, including presence in-book, online and on-site within the four-city event. Additionally, Saucony will launch branded events at specialty retailers. RW editors and Challenge participants will also be outfitted in Saucony-branded gear during the four-city event.
"We are proud to have Saucony, a company that embodies the spirit of running, as our presenting sponsor of the 2010 Runner's World Challenge. They understand the power and expertise of our brand and this partnership allows us to further deliver premium opportunities to the running community," Lambiase added.
"At Saucony, we know that 26.2 is the short part," stated Mary O'Brien, Saucony's vice president of marketing. "We also know that making it to the starting line is the result of tough work and a diligent spirit. Joining forces with the Runner's World Challenge allows us to extend our support to these dedicated marathoners as they prepare for what we know will be an unforgettable experience."
Visit: www.runnersworld.com and www.saucony.com
Source: RunningUSA
