November 25, 2009
In This Issue
Latest News
Newsmakers
Conferences
Online Seminars
Career Opportunities
Join Our Mailing List
 
 
Endurance Sports
Business News
 
Latest News
 
Competitor Group Adds Half Marathon in Los Angeles to RnR Series
Los Angeles Times
The Competitor Group, which owns the Rock 'n' Roll marathon series, has announced that it will open a new half-marathon in Los Angeles. Scheduled for October 24, the run will replace the City of Angels Half Marathon, which has been held since 2006 on the first weekend in December. Peter Englehart, president and chief executive officer of the Competitor Group, said an agreement had been reached with the nonprofit group Grove of Hope to replace the City of Angels event, but he did not disclose the terms of the deal. More
 
UPMC Health Plan to Sponsor Pittsburgh Half Marathon
PR Newswire
UPMC Health Plan will serve as title sponsor for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Inc. announced this week. UPMC Health Plan is the third title sponsor for the annual event, joining Dick's Sporting Goods as title sponsor for the Marathon, and FedEx Ground as title sponsor for the Marathon Relay. The races will be run on May 2. More
 
Runner's World, TrainingPeaks Launch Route Finder
 
Runner's World has launched the Runner's World Route Finder, a new running resource powered by TrainingPeaks. The RW Route Finder enables runners everywhere to search for or map new running routes in their own neighborhood or wherever they travel. RW Route Finder automatically searches for routes in the runner's current location and displays all the available routes on a map view, not just in a list. In addition to a map, runners can view interactive elevation profiles of any hills, providing a more complete understanding of the route's difficulty level. More
 
ChronoTrack to Introduce Race Number Tag in 2010
 
ChronoTrack has announced that it will introduce its B-Tag, a disposable UHF RFID tag attached to the runner's race number, in early 2010. The B-Tag system will be compatible with existing ChronoTrack Systems equipment. ChronoTrack successfully tested the new tag at races throughout 2009. More 
 
RFID Race Timing Systems Releases New Ultra Timing System
 
RFID Race Timing Systems has announced the release of its Ultra timing system. Ultra uses the latest in EPCglobal Class 1, Generation 2 UHF tags, RFID readers and antennas to provide timing solutions for events. More 
 
Marine Corps Marathon, HS Journalists Create Online Publication 
 
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) has introduced an online publication written entirely by high school students from the Greater D.C. area. The Post Race is the end product of an innovative partnership between the MCM and The Washington Post Young Journalists Development Program (YJDP). The publication, hosted on the MCM website, presents five feature articles written by the students plus their photography. "This program offered students the experience of having full media access to a world class event," said Marc Goldman, MCM sponsorship and marketing manager. More 
 
Contact Energy Extends Tri New Zealand Sponsorship
Scoop.com
Contact Energy has announced it has extended its relationship with Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ), with the addition of the Contact TriWoman Series and a Contact 1:2:1 Series for children.  The Contact TriWoman Series will be held in 10 locations across the country. This year children aged between seven and 11 years old are also being encouraged to participate in The Contact 1:2:1, a 100m swim, 2km bike ride and 1km run which will run alongside four of the seven Contact Tri Series events, is aimed an introducing 7-11 year olds to triathlon. More 
 
Run Walk Ride Conference Looks for Volunteer Award Nominees
 
The Run Walk Ride Conference in March will present a Cash Sweat and Tears Award to a volunteer nominated for service to athletic event fundraising program. The award comes with a trophy, $500 donation to a charity of the winner's choice and New Balance shoes and apparel. More  
Mike Plant
Newsmakers
Meb Keflezighi, the 2009 ING New York City Marathon champion, will ride in tomorrow's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  He will ride on the Statue of Liberty float with Katie Stam, Miss America 2009.
 
Fred Doyle, vice president of field sales for Saucony, was inducted into the IRRA Running Specialty Hall of Fame at this month's The Running Event in Austin, TX. Doyle was selected as a Vendor/Influencer inductee based on the major impact he has had throughout his career in growing the specialty running business as an athlete and business person.  
 
Dan Lakin and April Whitworth have been hired by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to work on the AFC's endurance training program, Train to End AIDS.
magnatreads
Conferences
 
(December 2-6, 2009)
Annual meeting of the sport's governing body in Indianapolis, IN.
 
Running USA Conference
(January 31-February 2, 2010)
Annual conference for the running industry in Carlsbad, CA.
 
Symposium for triathlon race directors in Colorado Springs, CO. 
 
Run Walk Ride Fundraising Conference
(March 3-4, 2010)
4th annual conference for athletic event fundraising organizers in Dallas, TX.
 
IEG Sponsorship Conference
(March 21-24, 2010)
27th annual sponsorship conference in Chicago, IL.
Online Seminars
(December 3, 2009, 2 p.m. eastern)
This webinar will provide a look at how properties are using social media to grow their audiences, reputations and, their sponsorship revenue.Learn the most effective method for identifying and screening sponsorship opportunities. Learn how to determine which sponsorship prospects can best achieve all of your company's goals. 
 
(December 10, 2009, 2 p.m. eastern)
Not getting the response you need from your current sponsorship proposals? If you need to create proposals that do a better job of providing prospects with the customized, relevant information they need, attend this webinar. You'll also receive a ready-to-use, turnkey prototype proposal.
Career Opportunities
Marketing Manager
Company: Strands
 
We are looking for a highly motivated Marketing Manager to be a part of the Marketing Team at Strands. The job responsibilities include:
Create a strands marketing experience at a minimum of 12 sporting events each year.
Organize and outline the details of monthly marketing event to be determined by marketing directors in order to promote the Strands brand, promote the website www.strands.com, and recruit new users and partners to the site.
Promote Strands to all possible users and business partners at the event and follow-up as needed.
Work with business development unit to identify and create focus of marketing on all fronts to build the usership and revenue generating ability of www.strands.com.
Contract well known local athletes to represent Strands.com at events to help promote Strands.
Work with the marketing team to ensure cohesive initiatives at all events that build a strong public view of Strands and create business opportunities.
Organize and manage materials, logistics, meetings, vendors, suppliers, staff for events.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
 
Road Bicycle Product Manager
Company: Competitor Group, Inc. 
 
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. The Manager, Operations will lead one operations team for a group of 5-8 events, with a focus on course design and implementation.  The manager will also guide and oversee all other operational aspects of the race at a macro level, including start line, finish line, band sites, water stations, cheer sites, medical stations, etc.  This will include designing all band sites, cheer sites and medical stations which requires a keen sense of direction and understanding of the scope of the event.
 
The position will include high-level coordination with city special events offices, police, traffic control, local contractors, vendors and management of staff to aid the successful execution of the event, and as such will require a significant amount of travel, often for up to a week at a time.
 
The position will also require the ability to work in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment with the added ability to multi-task.  All this must be done in a professional manner with the ability to work well in a team atmosphere.
 
Minimum Qualifications:
 
5 Years experience in design, implementation and coordination of running courses.
Detail oriented and organized.
Ability to multi-task and work on many divergent tasks simultaneously.
Ability to lead and manage a team of internal and contracted staff to implement the operations of the event.
Ability to create and manage budgets.
Computer design skills a plus.
Bachelors Degree Preferred
 
Our company offers a relaxed environment, friendly staff, competitive salary and employee benefits package including 401(k) matching. 
If interested and qualified, please send resume or C.V., cover letter with salary history and requirements to [email protected] 
 
Coordinator, Community Relations
Company: Competitor Group, Inc.
 
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. Working closely with the Director of Community relations, coordinate development of materials (print, web, email), mailings and presentations to effectively communicate road closure information for Competitor Group's series of events.   The Coordinator will maintain an existing contact database and develop new relationships in each event community in an effort to build trust and understanding of road closures and alternate access routes. 
 
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred
Strong communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
Ability to write clear, concise directions and copy for road closure materials
Comfortable with cold calling affected businesses, hotels, neighborhood groups
Experience in community relations/public relations
Proficiency in the use of computers for word processing, data base management, MS Office

Our company offers a relaxed environment, friendly staff, competitive salary and employee benefits package including 401(k) matching.  
 
If interested and qualified, please send resume or C.V., cover letter with salary history and requirements to [email protected]

Coordinator, Public Relations
Company: Competitor Group, Inc.
 
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. Under the direction of the Public Relations Manager, the Public Relations Coordinator will support the marketing department's communications efforts by assuming responsibility for of a range of projects involving media relations, external communications, creative efforts and social media to support Competitor events.
 
Minimum Qualifications
 
Candidates should have a degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field and at least three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional level experience in public relations or media.
 
Our company offers a relaxed environment, friendly staff, competitive salary and employee benefits package including 401(k) matching. 
 
If interested and qualified, please send resume or C.V., cover letter with salary history and requirements to [email protected].
 
Medical Coordinator
Company" Competitor Group, Inc.
 
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. The medical coordinator will coordinate resources necessary for successful execution of Competitor Group's medical team programs and services. This includes directly working with the Medical Director and local doctors/captains in each event city, providing administrative support, resources and tools to effectively recruit, confirm, retain and train volunteers for each event. 
 
Minimum Qualifications
 
Bachelor's degree preferred
Knowledge and interest in sports medicine is an asset
Experience in volunteer management
Proficiency in the use of computers for word processing, data base management, MS Office
 
Our company offers a relaxed environment, friendly staff, competitive salary and employee benefits package including 401(k) matching. 
 
If interested and qualified, please send resume or C.V., cover letter with salary history and requirements to [email protected].
 
Sales Representative - Northern California, Nevada
Company:  SportHill, Inc.
SportHill, Inc. is looking for a sales representative for Northern California and Nevada. Applicants must have the ability to show and present product in an easy, precise manner, be willing to attend national shows, travel the territory a minimum of 4 times a year, schedule and preform regular seasonal clinics and attend special account events. Attention to detail is a must and above and beyond customer service is required. Please submit your resume to JP Berg, National Sales Manager, [email protected]. Compensation will be discussed with qualified applicants upon receiving resume with references.
 
Product Line Manager - Running Apparel & Accessories
Company: Brooks Sports
 
Product excellence is at the heart of Brooks success.  Achieving a leadership position in the marketplace requires innovative thinking and the ability to inspire all product creation shareholders.  The PLM is responsible for the seasonal direction of the apparel and accessories collections, providing leadership and merchandising expertise while monitoring the processes through on going interaction with internal and external cross functional teams.  Reports to and works closely with Director of Merchandising.  From brief to commercialization the PLM provides merchandising expertise with a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape.  Managing the approval process for materials, fit and prototype sign off. Ensure key calendar milestones are met for on-time delivery and adoption of styles.  Foster a collaborative work relationship with Sales, Operations, Marketing and Footwear counterparts. 
 
Regional Sales Representatives - New York
Company: Competitor Group
 
Competitor Group is looking for a self-motivated individual who is hungry to make a difference in their job and make money for themselves. Qualified candidates will be outgoing, goal-oriented and have a passion for adventure and the active lifestyle.  In this growth position, you will be fully responsible for specific region while selling print and digital advertising for all Competitor Group publications, including the regional editions of Competitor Magazine, as well as the Competitor Group's national titles: Triathlete, Inside Triathlon, and VeloNews. You will also sell regional event sponsorships and other marketing opportunities while maintaining and up-selling existing clients and developing new business. We provide a flexible, fun, non-corporate environment with tremendous growth opportunities.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
 
*         Manage and maintain Regional accounts
*         Lead generation and new business creation
*         Developing and presenting of sales materials
*         Create new revenue opportunities for clients
*         Coordination of all production with Art Department
*         Maintain client database
*         Attend local events and trade/consumer shows
*         Client collections
 
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university; or a minimum of three years related sales experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Microsoft Word, Excel, Sales Database and Power Point experience preferred.
 
Compensation: Draw against commission.
 
We offer a relaxed environment, a friendly staff, health benefits, vacation and a 401K with employer matching.
 
Qualified candidates are encouraged to send resume or C.V., cover letter with salary history and requirements to [email protected]. 
 
logo
The Endurance Sports Business News is a free, weekly newsletter produced as a service of OSE Productions, Inc.  To subscribe additional recepients, please have them click on the Join Our Mailing List button and fill out the required information.  To find out more about the services OSE Productions provides to the endurance sports business community, please visit us at www.oseproductions.com or call Paul Banta at 503-969-4147.