New Balance announced an official multi-year partnership with the 500 Festival. New Balance will serve as the official footwear and technical apparel sponsor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the nation’s largest half-marathon, and the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K.

“New Balance is thrilled to partner with the 500 Festival for the nation’s largest half marathon and other weekend events,” said Josh Rowe, marketing manager, running at New Balance.  “Being an official sponsor is an exciting way for us to support runners of all abilities, be it elites breaking the tape in the mini-marathon or elementary aged students and first timers participating in the 5K run/walk. The Festival will enable us to showcase our innovative performance products and unique brand attributes to all runners.”

As the official footwear and technical apparel sponsor, New Balance will have a booth presence at the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, which takes place on May 6th-7th at the Indiana Convention Center.
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010.  The Mini-Marathon is sold-out with 35,000 participants and the 5K is sold-out with 4,000 runners and walkers.  

“We are very excited to begin this partnership with New Balance,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival. “We recognize New Balance’s commitment to the sport of running and are eager to work together to bring both the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K to new levels in a more global arena.”