God’s Country Marathon Expands Business Sponsorship
3 min read
COUDERSPORT, PA – The Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) is announcing several new and expanded opportunities for businesses to reach the hundreds of runners and volunteers that participate in the 37th annual God’s Country Marathon, which will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011. Among the new features are 26 new mile markers, street banners, and a new finish line banner. The new program will allow businesses to spread their message to participants before, during and after the race.
Each year, the marathon attracts hundreds of runners and spectators from the United States and Canada and relies on over 100 local volunteers on race day to operate water stations and help with finish line festivities. Organizers have revamped the amenities for runners and volunteers as well as the public presence that will increase awareness of the event across the county.
“As a business membership organization, it is PCVA’s role to connect the businesses with our visitors,” says David Brooks, executive director. “The runners understand that they contribute to our economy and want to spend money to support those businesses that support the race and ensure the race keeps running for years to come,” he added.
In addition to the mile markers and banners, new this year are several innovative opportunities such as pre-race email blasts and FaceBook promotions, as well as increased visibility on www.godscountrymarathon.com. At the finish line, complimentary vendor space, unofficial results postings and public announcements have all been incorporated into the new program. Post-race marketing includes official results press releases, finish line photos and completion certificates which are mailed to runners. Traditional options, such as advertising on the official t-shirt and GCM booklet, will continue to be offered.
Brooks points out the sponsorship does not have to be a financial commitment. “We have several specific needs that we typically purchase every year.” He continued, “But we trade sponsorship for in-kind products and services; everything from drinking cups and bottled water to small items for goodie bags and division awards. We are very open-minded to any business that wants to be a part of the event and we will go out of the way to make it happen. “
This year is the 37th running of the God’s Country Marathon which starts in Galeton and travels 26.2 miles over the eastern continental divide finishing in downtown Coudersport. In the past, Runner’s World Magazine named it one of the “Top Ten Toughest Marathons” and one of the “Best Small Marathons” in the United States. This year, PCVA is re-introducing a Team Relay division which should attract athletes who may not be ready for the full marathon. Plans are also underway to incorporate a half marathon into the event in 2012, which should nearly double the number of participants.
Sponsorship and general race information is available at www.godscountrymarathon.com or by contacting David Brooks at 814-274-3365 or potter@penn.com.
The Potter County Visitors Association is the official tourist promotion agency of Potter County, PA. A membership-based, 501(c)6 non-profit organization. PCVA’s mission is to enhance local economic development and quality of life by promoting tourism and recreational opportunities in Potter County. Originally incorporated in 1962 as the Denton Hill Recreation Association, PCVA currently serves 179 business members.
David Brooks,
http://facebook.com/visitpottercountypa
Potter County – “God’s Country”
