Brooks Sports has reached an exclusive and multi-year agreement with The Competitor Group to become the official footwear and apparel partner of the Rock 'n Roll Marathon Series. Currently, New Balance is the footwear sponsor and Sugoi is the apparel sponsor.

The partnership involves three official sponsorship categories, as well as a variety of marketing, promotional, branding and hospitality components.

“The Rock 'n Roll Marathon Series is thrilled to partner with Brooks, one of the world's most recognized specialty running brands,” said Scott Dickey, Chief Operating Officer of the Competitor Group. “Brooks epitomizes what the sport of running is all about. Their partnerships throughout the industry are known for mutual brand advancement, as well as a genuine connection with runners. We look forward to providing a national platform for the continued growth of their industry-leading footwear and apparel products.”

Brooks will be the official footwear and apparel partner for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, and its sister brand, Moving Comfort, will be the official sports bra for the series. The agreement brings together two of the industry's most well-respected and recognized names in the event management and specialty running space, beginning with the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon in New Orleans on February 28, 2010.

“We are excited to be partnering with a growing, dynamic company like the Competitor Group and its flagship Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series,” said Jim Weber, President and CEO of Brooks. “To be able to join in on the party that is Rock 'n' Roll and to expose so many avid, inspiring runners to the Brooks brand by supporting their ambitions to run longer, farther and faster is invaluable to us.”

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series revolutionized the running industry in 1998 with the launch of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, which combined entertainment and running in an unprecedented way. Brooks will have a significant presence at each of the 13 national Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon events in cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Phoenix and Las Vegas, among others

Brooks will be the exclusive footwear and apparel brand available for purchase in the official merchandise stores at each event's Health and Fitness Expo. Additionally, every registered runner – a combined annual total of over 300,000 across the 13 events – will receive a Brooks technical tee for participating in the marathon series.

“We see a great opportunity to extend our Run Happy positioning to the entire Rock 'n' Roll Marathon experience,” said Dave Larson, Brooks Vice President of Marketing. “From energizing runners on-course with inspirational promos to offering collectable performance-based Rock 'n' Roll branded merchandise, Brooks will enhance these unique races in memorable ways.”

Runners will not only be exposed to Brooks at the Rock 'n' Roll events, but also online. Registered runners will be able to download and track workouts, interact with and get advice from running experts, find training partners in their area, and get encouragement from Brooks as each training milestone is met. The training program for race participants will be available at www.runrocknroll.com to help them reach their individual race day goals. Brooks officially licensed Rock 'n' Roll apparel, accessories and training gear specific to each city's race will also be available for purchase online.  For more information, please visit www.runrocknroll.com.