Mayor announces Philadelphia Marathon's title sponsor

A little over a month away from Philadelphia Marathon weekend on November 17th, Mayor Michael Nutter announced that GORE-TEX will join the Philadelphia Marathon as title sponsor for the race's 20th anniversary.

In seeking out a title sponsor for the marathon, Mayor Nutter said, "We wanted a partner that would work with us to enhance the reputation of excellence that has placed us among the top marathons in the country.

"We looked for a partner that would be committed to enhancing the runner experience; a partner that is also innovative in the technology that can help support runners goals on race day and we found that partner in GORE-TEX."

W.L. Gore & Associates, manufactures of Delaware-based GORE-TEX product-line, are innovative creators of waterproof materials found in recreational outerwear and footwear.

This is not GORE-TEX's first race sponsorship, as Kirk Christensen, Global Leader of GORE-TEX Running Footwear, said they've sponsored ultra-runs before but wanted to move into the marathon atmosphere.

"We were looking at other races throughout the country, but Philadelphia immediately came to the top of our list," said Christensen. "It's a well-run race; it's local for us, and has a strong history behind it. Mostly, the ideas behind the race and the focus on the runner experience we thought was very much in line with who we are in a company."

The GORE-TEX Philadelphia Marathon weekend will include more than 3,000 volunteers, 30,000 runners and 60,000 spectators.

"The great thing about GORE-TEX is that they want to be involved in the all the aspects of making the marathon a great experience for the runner," said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, Executive Director of the race and City Representative. "I don't want to give too many surprises away but with this sponsorship you'll see an enhancement in what we provide our runners. It will be the best marathon yet."

Race weekend features the GORE-TEX Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday November 17th; the Rothman Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday Nov. 16th; and a free two –day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, Nov. 15th and Saturday, Nov. 16th.

Stay tuned for more 2013 Philadelphia Marathon coverage at philly.com/phillymarathon.