New Balance debuts global centennial team promotion at Bloomsday
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Boston, MA–New Balance is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2006 by inviting athletes from the Lilac Bloomsday Run – in Spokane, Wash. on May 7, 2006 – to become a member of the New Balance Global Centennial Team. 100 international runners of all ages and backgrounds will be selected from 50 races around the world to symbolize the global spirit of runners – from elite to recreational – at a gathering in October 2006 at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
“As part of our centennial celebration, we wanted to recognize everyday athletes from around the world who have been loyal to the New Balance brand and who have worn our shoes/products to achieve their personal goals,” says Steve Prince, West Coast Regional Sales Manager for New Balance Athletic Shoe. “This program exemplifies our company philosophy that recognizes the importance of perseverance for personal achievement.”
Two runners from the Lilac Bloomsday Run will win a weekend trip to the October 22, 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and have the option to run in that event. To be eligible, runners must be registered for the Lilac Bloomsday Run and submit a 100-word essay on what New Balance means to them. Winners will be selected based on the impact New Balance has had on their life and the creativity of their response. Team members will also receive a commemorative centennial package and be featured on New Balance’s centennial website.
“This program is also a unique opportunity to highlight New Balance’s partnership with the Lilac Bloomsday Run and its important role in our long-time support of grassroots running,” says Jon Wise, Sales Representative, New Balance.
“What began as 1,000 runners has expanded to a field of nearly 50,000 participants today with skill levels across the spectrum,” says Don Kardong, Race Director of the Lilac Bloomsday Run. “The Centennial Team promotion gives us another opportunity to celebrate running and build the excitement of Bloomsday for all our participants.”
The 50 partner races are spread over five continents and include more than 500,000 participants. For more information and to register, please visit www.nbteam100.com
A race partner since 1997, New Balance is the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure, and kids. New Balance employs more than 2,600 people around the globe, and in 2004 reported worldwide sales of $1.5 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com
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