Grandma’s Marathon signs ASICS as Official Shoe Sponsor

October 15, 2020

Also Renews Partnership with Race Roster as Official Registration Platform

(DULUTH, MINN.) — Grandma’s Marathon – Duluth, Inc. today is announcing a multi-year agreement to make ASICS the official running shoe sponsor of Grandma’s Marathon. The 45^th annual race weekend will take place next summer, scheduled for June 17-19, 2021.

As a presenting sponsor for the next three years, ASICS Corporation will have a prominent presence at all marathon weekend activities including the Health and Fitness Expo, William A. Irvin 5K, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and Grandma’s Marathon.

The partnership will provide participants with access to custom training plans in the ASICS Runkeeper® app, ASICS-sponsored celebration opportunities, and other benefits through the OneASICS™ loyalty program.

Grandma’s Marathon is also renewing its partnership with Race Roster to continue as the official registration company of all the organization’s events – Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, William A. Irvin 5K, St. Fennessy 4K, Fitger’s 5K, Part Point 5-Miler, Minnesota Mile, and North End Nightmare 5K.

Race Roster is a subsidiary of ASICS Corporation and has been the registration platform of Grandma’s Marathon since 2017.

Shane Bauer, Grandma’s Marathon Executive Director: “ASICS is the ideal sponsor for Grandma’s Marathon events. They have a long history of uniquely meeting the needs of runners, race directors, and the running community by offering world-class race management, premium brand sponsorship, and marketing. This partnership brings the best of our worlds together while also enhancing our race day experience for participants. We look forward to working with them to support our running community.”

Alex Vander Hoeven, Race Roster & Runkeeper CEO: “We are thrilled to team up with Grandma’s Marathon and help participants train for this historical event. People often download the Runkeeper app to help them achieve their running goals. Our training plans are tailored to individual fitness levels and specific goals, so runners feel more confident and better prepared come race day. Race Roster has long supported this event from the race registration side. We are excited to make ASICS a part of that to take that partnership one step further.”

Grandma’s Marathon and ASICS officially launched their new partnership when registration for the 45th annual event opened on October 1, 2020.

For more information on Grandma’s Marathon or to register, visit grandmasmarathon.com. For additional information on ASICS Corporation, visit ASICS.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT – GRANDMA’S MARATHON

Zach Schneider
E: zach@grandmasmarathon.com
P: (218) 727-0947

MEDIA CONTACT – ASICS

Whitneigh Kinne
E: Whitneigh.Kinne@asics.com
M: (207) 756-4670

ABOUT GRANDMA’S MARATHON

Grandma’s Marathon began in 1977 when a group of local runners planned a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. There were just 150 participants that year, but organizers knew they had discovered something special. Grandma’s Marathon is now a self-governed nonprofit organization with a 17-member board of directors. Grandma’s Marathon weekend draws more than 18,000 participants for its three-race event each June.

ABOUT ASICS

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories.

ABOUT RACE ROSTER

Race Roster is an industry-leading event management platform providing award-winning technology, innovative solutions to the event industry, and dedicated customer support. By focusing on the specific needs of event organizers, timers, and fundraising organizations, Race Roster is able to provide the best-in-class solutions tailored to event industry professionals. For more information, visit Raceroster.com or follow them on social media.

ABOUT RUNKEEPER

The ASICS Runkeeper™ app was developed in 2008 and was one of the first running apps available in the app store. Runkeeper™ has always been focused on helping runners of all levels get out the door and reach their goals. The app helps people track runs, set specific goals, stay motivated through audio cues, challenges, and more. Runkeeper Go, the premium experience, features additional resources including custom training plans to help users take their training to the next level.Available on iOS, Apple Watch, and Android devices. The app also integrates with wearables like Garmin.