Philadelphia Marathon Announces GORE-TEX® Brand as Title Sponsor

Press contacts only:

Randy Gianctaerino

 215-683-2070

Randy.giancaterino@phila.gov

Cynthia Amon

332-553-0333

camon@wlgore.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, October 3, 2013 — The City of Philadelphia announced that W.L. Gore & Associates, inventor of GORE-TEX® products, will join the Philadelphia Marathon as title sponsor during the race’s 20th anniversary this year. Mayor Michael A. Nutter said the partnership is a perfect complement for the race, bringing together the Philadelphia Marathon and Gore, both innovators in their respective fields.

“The City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Marathon organizers, and Gore look forward to hosting all of the great activities associated with the race this November,” said Mayor Nutter. “On the race course and in business, timing is essential. The announcement of this partnership is great timing as we prepare to celebrate the Marathon’s 20th anniversary. Working with Gore, a highly-regarded, global innovator and manufacturer, we can strengthen our commitment to this annual tradition which is considered one of the finest marathons in the United States.”

The GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon is the City’s premier running event, taking runners through historic and scenic areas of Philadelphia on the weekend of November 15-17. More than 30,000 people are expected to participate in three races, including the 26.2-miler – one of the nation’s largest marathons. As the official provider of climate comfort and weather protection in running footwear, the GORE-TEX® Footwear partnership will bring greater consumer awareness of the brand’s value for the running community in the GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon.

“GORE-TEX® footwear is excited to announce our title sponsorship with the Philadelphia Marathon,” said Kirk Christensen, Global Leader, GORE-TEX® Running Footwear. “We could not think of a better event than the Philadelphia Marathon to showcase our innovative running shoe products. GORE is a global company, but we are headquartered regionally and are excited to partner with the City of Philadelphia for such an outstanding race right here in our own backyard. We look forward to working with Philadelphia to make the GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon the best experience for race participants this year and beyond.”

Left to Right: Mayor Michael Nutter, Kirk Christensen – Global Leader, GORE-TEX Running Footwear, Desiree Peterkin-Bell – Race Director

Desiree Peterkin-Bell, Executive Director of the GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon and City Representative said, “We are delighted to welcome GORE-TEX® Footwear as title sponsor into our growing Marathon family. During the Marathon’s 20th anniversary banner year, we are proud to bring together two strong brands that share mutual interests: the driving spirit of innovation and the commitment to helping people reach their goals. As a race and as a company, the Marathon and GORE-TEX® brand have stood the test of time. Together, we have a winning partnership which truly enhances the Marathon as it approaches the next plateau of prominence.”

Peterkin-Bell also said the partnership enhances the City’s sports tradition. She noted that the GORE-TEX® Brand, with its international profile, is a great addition to the reputation of Philadelphia as a world-class city – a city in which runners can participate in one of the nation’s fastest growing marathons and enjoy a weekend of culture, cuisine, history and other attractions offered throughout the city and region.

W.L. Gore & Associates, manufacturers of the GORE-TEX® product line, are innovative creators of waterproof materials found in recreational outerwear, footwear and gloves. The company’s fabrics and products are known for their low-water absorption and durability. The 55-year-old firm’s materials are waterproof, windproof and breathable, keeping wearers of GORE-TEX® products and comfortable – all attractive features for marathoners.

Gore has more than 10,000 employees, with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan and China, as well as sales offices around the world.

Gore with its U.S. headquarters based in Newark, Delaware, is a privately-held company, generating annual sales of more than $3.2 billion. The firm specializes in electronics, fabrics, industrial and medical applications. It makes a wide range of products including heart stents, hernia-repair patches, robotic-control components, bike and motorcycle cables, blood and pathogen-proof military and rescue gear, guitar strings, fishing line material and dental floss.

The GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon 26.2-mile race on November 17, 2013 concludes a weekend of family-oriented activities, including the Health & Fitness Expo, a non-competitive Kids’ Fun Run, and the Rothman Institute 8K. The Rothman Institute 8K, the Philadelphia Marathon’s companion race, will retain its name and longstanding partnership.

The GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon will spotlight 26 miles and 385 yards of history. Philadelphia is known as a “City of Neighborhoods” and runners will have an opportunity to journey through many charming, iconic areas, from Center City to Old City to Boat House Row and beyond. The Philadelphia Marathon is ranked nationally as a top-10 marathon and continues to attract athletes worldwide because of its beautiful and fast course.

The GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Marathon weekend attracts more than 3,000 volunteers, 30,000 runners and 60,000 spectators to Philadelphia to experience “20 Years, For the Love of Running”. Race Weekend features the GORE-TEX®Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, November 17; the Rothman Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 16; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16. Race participants pass many of Philadelphia’s famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a Boston qualifier. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com. 

GORE-TEX is a trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. ©2013,295 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Maryland, 800-431-GORE, gore-tex.com.

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