Saucony returns for an eighth year as an official sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon on March 19, 2006. This relationship with the Los Angeles Marathon represents a 10-year-long commitment to the Los Angeles running community.
As part of the sponsorship package, Saucony has been named the “Official Running Shoe” of the Los Angeles Marathon. In addition to being named the official running shoe, Saucony is sponsor of the race's official training programs, including the Los Angeles Roadrunners and Students Run LA. The Roadrunners' program, which launched September 10th, is directed by Olympic bronze medalist and Saucony endorsee Rod Dixon.
Dixon, an Olympic Bronze medalist whose come from behind win at the 1983 New York City Marathon is one of the most memorable in history, will offer “professional marathon training for the everyday athlete.” With 20 pace groups, the program is designed to prepare everyone from the non-runner to the experienced marathoner for race day. With a race day finisher's rate of 99%, Roadrunners is a proven training program.
Saucony's Grid Hurricane 8; Grid Triumph 3; Grid Trigon 3; Grid Omni 5; and Grid Fastwitch will be the “Official Running Shoes” of the Los Angeles Marathon. Featuring Saucony's patented Grid® technology in the heel for cushioning and stability and SRC XTRA(TM) forefoot cushioning, Saucony's “Official Running Shoes” are ideal for any marathoner.
In addition, Saucony will select the third annual Saucony 26, a group of twenty-six people and their stories from communities in and around the L.A. Marathon racecourse, who are chosen to symbolize each full mile of the marathon. The Saucony 26 celebrates the runners' differences, as well as the running community's collective and passionate love of the sport.