Thursday, January 26, 2012

Running USA wire 9, January 25, 2012

Running USA advances the growth and success of the running industry in America.


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In this edition:
Olympian Ryan Hall to Lead ING Run for Something Better Final 1.2 Mile
Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Takes "Flight" at Disneyland Resort
Duplessis, Farr Win Rose Bowl Half Marathon
Economic Uncertainty to Slow Sponsorship Growth in 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Dick Batchelor 5K, Orlando, FL, January 28
10th The Texas Half, Dallas, TX, January 28
Inaugural Tinkerbell Half-Marathon, Anaheim, CA, January 29
10th ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon, Miami, FL, Jan 29
Great Lakes Expo Run, Franklin, WI, January 29
Miracle Match Marathon, Waco, TX, January 29
Frost Giant 5K & 10K, Estes Park, CO, January 29
Medtronic TC Kids Marathon Fieldhouse Fun Run, Minneapolis, MN, Feb 4
Florida Hospital Lady Track Shack 5K, Winter Park, FL, February 4
Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Weekend, Melbourne, FL, February 5
Super Bowl 5K, Denver, CO, February 5
Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10K/5K, CA, February 5
Surf City USA Marathon & Half, Huntington Beach, CA, February 5
Virginia Is for Lovers 14K & 1.4 Miler, Virginia Beach, VA, February 11
Hearts & Soles 5K, Atlanta, GA, February 11
Valentine's Day TC 5K, Minneapolis, MN, February 11
Valentine's Day - Hearts 'r' Running 5K, St. Paul, MN, February 11
USA Cross Country Championships, St. Louis, MO, February 11
Love 'em or Leave 'em Valentine's Day Dash, Seattle, WA, February 11


Olympian Ryan Hall to Lead ING Run For Something Better Final 1.2 Mile

10-year-old program attracts 5,000 kids and other celebrities in Miami for final run


MIAMI - (January 24, 2012) - Ryan Hall, the nation's top marathoner who recently qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, will lead more than 5,000 Dade County middle school students in running the final 1.2 mile of the 2012 ING Run For Something Better® program on Sunday, January 29 as part of festivities at the ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon®.



The students have been training for their final run for the past several months as part of the 10-year-old program that is designed to promote health and fitness to kids. The run will begin near the steps of the county courthouse at 11:00am and Hall will lead the pack of youngsters down Flagler Street to the ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon finish line, where they will enjoy the experience of finishing a real distance race down the half-marathon chute.



Other celebrities who will join Hall and the kids on the run include Dr. Andy Baldwin, a Naval physician and media personality who is a former star of the ABC hit series The Bachelor; national fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner, the star of more than 25 award-winning exercise videos; marathoner Dane Rauschenberg and Shannon Ford, the reigning Mrs. United States.



The ING Run For Something Better is again aligning with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign, which hopes to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight. That initiative involves diet and exercise such as training for the ING Run For Something Better.



"Through Physical Education, students train for the ING Run For Something Better program," said Dr. Jayne Greenberg, District Director for Physical Education and Health Literacy for Dade County Schools. "The program began as a goal-setting program. It not only teaches you about the importance of being physically active, but also how to set a goal, work hard toward your goal and to achieve your goal.



"If you can set a goal to be physically active every day, you can take that same goal-setting and apply it to everything that you do. We are trying to apply it to teachers, administrators, custodians and cafeteria staffs by incorporating Let's Move into the ING Run For Something Better program. We want everybody in Miami-Dade Schools to be healthy."



The Miami program for kids began in 2003 with a few hundred Dade County middle school students and has grown every year. Now the swarm of youngsters, clad in orange ING Run For Something Better shirts and orange shoe laces, racing to the finish line is as much a part of South Florida's largest distance running event as the Marathon itself.



"We're pleased that ING Run For Something Better has touched the lives of so many youth in Miami-Dade County schools," said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility. "It's encouraging to see so many students on the road to adopting healthier lifestyles as ING continues its mission to combat child obesity."



The kids in the ING Run For Something Better are in the midst of a 15-week training program at their respective schools, running a minimum of 25 miles over that period of time. The 1.2 mile finale is a celebration run of their participation in the program, and the participating kids will receive orange shoe laces, a t-shirt, a medal and a post-race snack upon completion of their final mile. While there are 5,000 kids running the final mile on race day, 11,000 students are participating in the ING Run For Something Better program.



"The ING Run For Something Better® program becomes an important initiative to develop an appreciation for physical activity through running among middle school age students," said Dave Scott, General Manager of US Road Sports & Entertainment of Florida and Race Director of the ING Miami Marathon. "Each passing year this program has grown and these youngsters will be joining the ranks of a growing health and fitness generation. I honestly believe that kids love to run and proof of that is very visible on Sunday morning when that wave of Orange hits Biscayne Boulevard."



The schools participating in the ING Run For Something Better® program are: Ada Merritt K-8 Center, Allapattah Middle School, Ammons Middle School, Aspira E. M. de Hostos Charter School, Avocado Elementary School, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Campbell Dr. Middle School, Carol City Middle School, Citrus Grove Middle School, Charter School at Waterstone, Coral Reef Elementary School, Cutler Ridge Middle School, Devon Aire K-8 Center, Doctors Charter School, Doral Academy Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, Ethel/Beckford Richmond Elementary School, Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center, Golden Glades Elementary School, G. W. Carver Middle School, Hammocks Middle School, Henry Filer Middle School, Hialeah Gardens Middle School, Howard D. McMillan School, Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School, Jose Marti MAST Academy, Kenwood K-8 Center, Key Biscayne K-8 Center, Lawton Chiles Middle School, Lake Stevens Middle School, Miami Edison Middle School, Miami Heights Elementary School, Miami Lakes K-8 Center, Nautilus Middle School, Palm Springs Middle School, Pincrest Academy, Richmond Heights Middle School, Rockway Middle School, Somerset Academy Silver Palms, South Dade Middle School, St. Theresa Catholic School, St. Hugh Catholic School, St.Agnes Academy, Sunset Park Elementary School, Tropical Elemenetary School, Vineland K-8 Center, Winston Park K-8 Center and Young Women's Prepatory Academy.



For more race information, go to: www.INGmiamimarathon.com




Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Takes "Flight" at Disneyland Resort

TV sitcom star to be among the more than 17,000 runners in women-focused weekend of events centered on health, fitness and active lifestyles


ANAHEIM, Calif. - (January 19, 2012) - Pixie dust and fairy wings will overtake Disneyland Resort and the streets of Anaheim this weekend as thousands of runners participate in the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon (Jan. 27-29). TV sitcom star Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement) will be among the 17,000-plus runners taking part in this ultimate girls' weekend, the latest event in the runDisney series and the second at Disneyland Resort.



The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, takes runners on a 13.1-mile trek through the Disneyland and California Adventure, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. The half-marathon, expected to draw 12,000 runners, will be filled with music, entertainment, Disney characters, runners in colorful Tinker Bell costumes and, of course, pixie dust, and finishing at Disneyland. Runners will receive a commemorative Tinker Bell "wings'' medal.



The weekend of events, all geared toward health, fitness and active lifestyles for women, features a variety of races including The Neverland 5K on Friday night, kids' races on Saturday and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday. There will also be a health and fitness expo featuring the latest running merchandise, products, apparel and guest speakers - all tailored for women - creating a weekend of camaraderie and wellness, plus a pinch of Tinker Bell's trademark sassiness and sense of adventure.



Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is the second women-focused event weekend in the runDisney series. Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place at Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 24-26. Both event weekends are among the largest women-specific events in the country.



About runDisney
RunDisney is a series of events providing runners unique opportunities to run through Disney theme parks. Race participants earn Disney-themed medals, experience legendary Disney entertainment and guest service and ultimately celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation. The original event in the series, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, takes place in January followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler in September and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November. Disneyland hosts the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend in January and the Disneyland Half Marathon in September during Labor Day Weekend. More than 100,000 running enthusiasts participate in runDisney events each year.



For more information, visit runDisney.com and follow us on Facebook (runDisney) and Twitter @DisneySports

Duplessis, Farr Win Rose Bowl Half Marathon

At the 6th edition, runners finish on 50-yard line of storied football stadium


PASADENA, Calif. - (January 22, 2012) - Participants in the Rose Bowl Half Marathon enjoyed clear skies and cool temperatures as they toured the scenic and historic roads of Pasadena on Sunday morning. Established in 2007 by Pacific Sports LLC and the Rose Bowl Operating Company, the event has become a winter tradition drawing participants from across the country. This year's event had 1,562 total entrants, reaffirming its presence on the Southern California running calendar.



The 13.1-mile race led runners through a scenic and technical course that included hills, trails, and river crossings. Jeanpaul Duplessis, 37, of Pomona, CA was the overall winner in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 20 seconds. The women's title was awarded to Emily Farr, 27, of La Crescenta, CA, who clocked 1:31:39.



Competitors in the 5K & 10K races followed the traditional and popular Rose Bowl Loop leading runners around the stadium and Brookside Golf Course. The overall winner of the 10K event was Ben Mejia, 35, of Pomona breaking the finish tape at 35:16, while Cortney Haile, 34, of Santa Monica won the women's race in 41:38.



The overall winner of the 2012 Rose Bowl Half Marathon 5K was Brian Reese, 37 of Collierville, TN finishing in just 19:14 and Jamie Peng, 18, of Temple City, CA won the women's 5K race, clocking a 20:15.



Following the race, competitors and spectators alike enjoyed the festivities in the Finish Area, located inside the Rose Bowl's Court of Champions. Participants 21 years and older were able to celebrate in the MillerCoors Beer Garden adjacent to the Finish Area and all attendees regardless of age enjoyed music from 97.1 AMP Radio.



For complete results, go to: www.PacificSportsLLC.com




Economic Uncertainty to Slow Sponsorship Growth in 2012

IEG projects 4.1 percent growth in North America; 4.9 percent globally


CHICAGO - (January 2012) - The lingering effects of scattered economic crises throughout the world and a yet-to-stabilize recovery in the U.S. kept sponsorship spending from rising as much as projected in 2011 and will be a wet blanket on budgets throughout the new year.



The 27th annual year-end industry review and forecast from IEG reveals that sponsorship spending by North American companies increased just 5.5 percent in 2011, below the projected rise of 5.9 percent. Outlays for sponsorships of all types grew to $18.11 billion.



Looking ahead, IEG projects that North American sponsorship spending will grow by just 4.1 percent in 2012, to $18.87 billion.



Corporate marketers appear to be holding off on bigger votes of confidence pending the outcome of solutions to national debt problems and the U.S. presidential election.



"Marketplace volatility will make 2012 a very interesting year for sponsorship-one likely to be full of contradictions," said IEG senior vice president Jim Andrews. "Some rights-holders will earn record revenues while others struggle to maintain status quo.



"Corporate partners will still find resources to align with sports, entertainment, nonprofit and other opportunities that help them achieve bottom-line objectives," Andrews added. "Although economic conditions are a contributing factor, individual properties will still live or die based on their ability to deliver the marketing and business solutions sponsors need."



The global spending picture is slightly brighter than the North American outlook, with spending in emerging markets such as Brazil and India offsetting tighter markets in Europe. Global spending, including North America, grew 5.1 percent to $48.6 billion in 2011, just below IEG's projection of 5.2 percent growth.



For 2012, worldwide spending should increase 4.9 percent to $51 billion
Spending on sponsorship in North America will grow just slightly more than spending on traditional advertising. Media spending, which rose four percent in 2011, is projected to increase by the same percentage in 2012, according to the worldwide media and marketing forecast produced by GroupM, the global media investment management operation of WPP Group plc.



In the sales promotion realm of direct marketing, sampling, trade shows, etc., consumer and business-to-business promotional spending is expected to grow by 2.1 percent this year following a 1.7 percent gain in 2011, according to the Communications Industry Forecast published by private equity firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson.



North American Sponsorship by Category
As is typical when marketers turn conservative during economic turmoil, the more established categories of sports and entertainment grew faster than the other four North American major property sectors in 2011.



That trend should continue in 2012, as risk-averse sponsors look for packages that bundle media exposure and offer activation platforms including retail, digital and on-site marketing.



Sports sponsorship spending grew by 6.2 percent in 2011, making it the fastest-growing sector, just ahead of the six percent growth seen by entertainment, a sector that includes concert tours, theme parks and branded entertainment partnerships.



Sports and entertainment are projected to grow by 4.6 percent and four percent, respectively in 2012.



Overall, the sports sector will account for 69 percent of North American sponsorship spending this year, a one point increase from 2011. The festivals, fairs and annual events sector will see its share of spending dip from five to four percent in 2012, while all other sectors retain the same share they had in 2011.



Emerging Markets Drive Global Growth
Excluding North American sponsorship spending, sponsors from all other parts of the world spent $30.5 billion in 2011. That number should increase by 5.2 percent to $32.1 billion this year.



With the exception of last-minute spending around the London Olympic Games this summer, most of Europe will see a slowdown similar to what North America will experience in 2012. Sponsorship spending by European companies is expected to grow 4.4 percent in 2012 versus 4.7 percent in 2011.



Led by a vibrant Indian sponsorship marketplace and continued activity in China, spending from the Asia Pacific area is projected to grow the most of any global region in 2012 at 6.3 percent. Healthy growth also is expected in Central and South America, spurred by the Brazilian marketplace in anticipation of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.



For more information about IEG and the sponsorship industry, visit www.sponsorship.com or call (800) 834-4850 (outside the U.S. and Canada, (312) 944-1727).







Contact Information


Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232




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