Timex Group USA, Inc. has signed on as the official timing sponsor of the ING New York City Marathon. The sponsorship will last four years, from 2008 through 2011, as part of the company’s ongoing initiative to increase the awareness of its state-of-the-art sports and fashion products. The TIMEX Group has secured this sponsorship for its TIMEX brand.

“Timex is excited to be involved with the ING New York City Marathon, which annually brings together the best group of runners, including a large percentage of first-time marathoners to the world’s largest stage,” says Adam Gurian, Timex president. “We are excited about the partnership between these two iconic brands. Timex celebrates the human spirit and is as diverse as the runners in the marathon.”

Timex has long been a sponsor of the Ironman Triathlon event series.

“We are proud to welcome Timex Corporation to the New York Road Runner’s family as the official timing sponsor of the ING New York City Marathon,” says Mary Wittenberg, president & CEO of New York Road Runners. “Timex is a trusted brand for runners and the timing category is integral to the sport. It was important for us to find the right partner who shares our core principles and values in promoting health and fitness and Timex is a perfect match.”

As the official timing sponsor, Timex will be identified on a number of high profile activation points throughout the course including: all three start and finish clocks, the split time clocks at the 5k, 10k, 13.1m and 20m marks, and clocks on top of the lead vehicles for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair races.

In 2009, Timex brand will unveil an officially licensed timepiece bearing the official ING New York City Marathon logo, which will be available via multiple outlets including NYRRs’ online store, as well as NYRR’s headquarters in New York City