FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christina Divigard
ING
(860) 723-2293
Richard Finn
New York Road Runners
(212) 423-222
ING, NYRR Extend Agreement for Title Sponsorship
of ING New York City Marathon
Ongoing partnership to benefit race participants,
spectators and running programs locally and internationally
NEW YORK - (March 7, 2005) - ING and New York Road Runners have announced
that they have extended an agreement for ING's title sponsorship of the ING
New York City Marathon through 2007. Both partners continue to focus on
improving the marathon experience for runners, as well as for spectators
and the community at large. ING became the first-ever title sponsor of the
ING New York City Marathon in 2003.
"We created a new beginning when ING partnered with New York Road Runners,"
said Toby Hoden, chief marketing officer for ING US Financial Services.
"Today, we are delighted to extend our partnership to continue building on
our collaborative success of the last two years. The energy of the ING New
York City Marathon is just incredible; it really brings to life ING's
commitment to the sport of running."
In addition, the ING New York City Marathon gives ING a touch point with
the people of New York and the U.S. - and even the world - to help create
greater awareness of the ING brand. The marathon boasts more than 35,000
participants, a leading professional field, 2.5 million spectators and more
than 240 million television viewers in 119 countries.
"The past few years have featured some of the marathon's finest moments,
culminating with last year's dream race and the memorable victories by
Paula Radcliffe and Hendrik Ramaala," said Mary Wittenberg, executive vice
president and chief operating officer of New York Road Runners. "We welcome
ING back to join us for three more exciting years as we continue our
collaboration to make the marathon the world's most celebrated road race."
A key cornerstone of ING's sponsorship is the ING Run for Something Better.
Established in 2003, the program features four world-class female athletes
competing not only to win the ING New York City Marathon, but also to raise
money for New York parks, track and field programs, and community
organizations that promote fitness and sports in the U.S. and abroad.
In addition, ING Cheering Zones, established in four New York neighborhoods
along the marathon route, create a rallying point on race day for local
residents.
The 2005 ING New York City Marathon is Sunday, November 6.
ABOUT ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking,
insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and
institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce
of over 115,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent
companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.
In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of
financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life
insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative
investments, direct banking, institutional investment management,
annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING
holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million
customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com
ABOUT NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS
Founded in 1958 with a membership of 47, New York Road Runners (NYRR) is
one of the world's foremost running organizations. NYRR is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to promoting the sport of running and walking for
health, recreation, and competition, and provides full professional
services related to all aspects of racing. The organization has a full-time
staff of more than 60 employees, supplemented by a network of thousands of
volunteers, serving more than 40,000 members from every U.S. state and more
than 100 countries.
ABOUT THE ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
The ING New York City Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is the
premier event of New York Road Runners (NYRR). Inaugurated in 1970 with 127
entrants, it has grown into the world's premier road race, featuring 35,000
participants, more than two and a half million spectators, a leading
professional field, and a guaranteed prize purse of more than $500,000.
Broadcast across the nation and in 125 countries worldwide, and seen by 275
million viewers worldwide, the 26.2-mile footrace is the United States'
most watched one-day sporting event. The ING New York City Marathon joins
the USA Men's 8K Championships and the Circle of Friends New York Mini 10K
as the cornerstones of the NYRR Professional Racing Series and continues
NYRR's tradition of bringing the very best runners in the world to New York
City. For more information visit www.ingnycmarathon.org.
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