New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced a multi-year strategic alliance that includes exclusive footwear, running-specific initiatives and co-branding opportunities.
As part of the collaboration, New Balance becomes the official athletic shoe of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. New Balance also becomes the official running shoe for runDisney race weekends and the official baseball shoe of amateur baseball events at the Sports Complex.
In addition, New Balance also becomes the title sponsor of the track & field facility at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, home of the annual Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic and Disneys Track & Field Spring Training for high school and collegiate teams. Future initiatives include the creation of maps for the running trails at Walt Disney World Resort and fitness programs for Disney resort guests interested in pursuing healthy options.
New Balance and Disney share a commitment to quality and innovation, says Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance. We are proud to work with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to showcase New Balances brand excellence and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
“Our relationship with New Balance complements our company’s efforts to provide healthy options for families during their Disney vacation, said George Aguel, senior vice president, Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are excited about this new agreement and look forward to working with New Balance.”
To commemorate this alliance, New Balance created a mens and womens limited edition runDisney 860v3 running shoe that captures the spirit of two favorite Disney characters – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The 860v3 – runDisney edition will be available for purchase at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Health & Fitness Expo from January 10-12, future runDisney Health & Fitness Expos, special events created jointly by New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts as well as branded pop-up shops located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
