New Balance officially signed a multi-year contract to be the technical footwear and apparel sponsor for the Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest ultra marathon and one of South Africa’s premier sporting events.
The New Balance sponsorship commences on 1 July 2013 in good time for the 2014 Race which takes place on June 1, 2014 from Pietermaritzburg to the port of Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. This popular, annual Race attracts top athletes from around the world and since its inception in 1921, has captured the imagination and fascination of the entire nation.
Steeped in tradition, the difficult and undulating race course alternates each year between “down runs” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and “up runs” from Durban to Pietermaritzburg with the official race distance varying from year to year, averaging approximately 86 89 km (54 miles). The time limit for the Comrades Marathon is 12 hours.
“New Balance is thrilled to become the official footwear and apparel sponsor of The Comrades Marathon,” says Alan Hed, executive vice president, international at New Balance. “As one of the fastest growing global athletic brands, this storied and significant race will allow us to further expand our international presence in running and highlight our innovative footwear, apparel, and unique brand attributes to athletes of all abilities.”
The world’s oldest ultra marathon, The Comrades Marathon epitomizes courage, commitment and camaraderie amongst its participants transcending cultural, racial, gender, socio-economic and age barriers.
At the official launch of the New Balance partnership, GM of New Balance, South Africa, Gary van Rooyen proudly acknowledged the company’s involvement in the ‘Ultimate Human Race.’ “During the past 12 years we have developed the New Balance brand in South Africa through our commitment to grassroots sporting disciplines on a multi-sports platform. By becoming the official footwear and apparel partner for this great event, we are taking the next step in growing our brand to that of the No.1 running brand in South Africa.”
