New Balance to sponsor IAAF Maratona di Roma

The company will serve as the official athletic footwear and apparel sponsor starting with the 20th anniversary Maratona di Roma, which will be held on Sunday March 23rd 2014. The race is one of the most magnificent marathon courses in the world with the grandeur of its classical landmarks offering a glorious sense of classical history.

"New Balance is thrilled to become the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Maratona di Roma, Italy's leading marathon with global appeal and status," said Alan Hed, Executive Vice President International at New Balance.

"New Balance stands as one of the fastest growing global athletic brands and this celebrated marathon will allow us to continue expanding our international presence in running and highlight our innovative footwear and apparel as we look to support athletes of all abilities".

As the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Maratona di Roma, New Balance will showcase their performance running collection at the Marathon Sport Expo and as the exclusive merchandiser of the race New Balance will be offering a new line of Maratona di Roma official running gear including the New Balance – Maratona di Roma special edition running shoe to mark the sponsorship arrangement.

Race officials and volunteer staff will be outfitted in New Balance products and the company will co-ordinate regional retail promotions and advertising activities around the race. The new line Maratona di Roma official New Balance gear will be available on-site at the Marathon Sport Expo, at retail and on-line.

"We are thrilled to welcome New Balance as a sponsor. It is a unique match: one of the world's most enduring running brands associated with the Eternal City." Observed Enrico Castrucci, President of the Maratona di Roma.

About the Maratona di Roma:

The first Maratona di Roma was run in 1995. In 2000 the Maratona di Roma takes place January, 1 with the start at Piazza San Pietro: it was the first international sport event of the new millennium.

The 2010 race was held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Abebe Bikila's win at the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon race, a watershed moment in the development of East African competitive running. The 2010 men's winner, Ethiopian Siraj Gena, crossing the finish line barefoot in honour of Abebe Bikila's running style.

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is currently the only major shoe company that manufactures athletic footwear in the U.S. with 25% of our U.S. footwear shipments produced at five New England facilities.

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