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Li-Ning announces premier event sponsorship in running mecca of USA: Eugene Marathon
Event Contact: Andy Downin (541)345-2230
andydownin@eugenemarathon.com
Li-Ning Contact: Paul Curran (503)686-8928
pcurran@li-ninguse.com
(Eugene, Ore.) - Li-Ning announces premier level event sponsorship of the Eugene Marathon to support and promote its new line of running shoes for the U.S. market. The innovative new footwear will be available for participants to demo and purchase at the two-day health & fitness expo, at the finish line festival, and at Eugene Running Company.
"With Li-Ning's generous support and our rapid growth, we're growing upon the uniqueness and achievement that participants have experienced and now expect in Eugene, Oregon," said Andy Downin, Eugene Marathon Sponsorship Director.
"We're honored to become the footwear & apparel sponsor of the Eugene Marathon and to associate the Li-Ning brand and culture in the U.S. market with the premier event in what is truly the running mecca. It's the ideal setting to share our new innovative running shoes and rich brand heritage grounded in sports," said Paul Curran, Running Relations for Li-Ning USA.
Li-Ning is introducing four low-profile, lightweight performance running shoes in Eugene (FREMONT, LIEDE, BROADWAY, WUHU) - named after bridges in Portland and in China, the shoes are significantly less weight compared to traditional running trainers. The FREMONT will be available to demo and purchase at the health & fitness expo, Eugene Running Company, and Fit Right NW in Portland/Vancouver. The 7 oz. performance running shoe is crafted for up tempo training runs and racing 5K to Marathon races. The other three models will be available to purchase online and at select specialty running stores nationwide beginning in July 2011. "Our mission is to provide runners, walkers and triathletes with a better alternative to traditional brands. Athletes of all levels can wear the same shoes that meet the training demands of our highest performing track & field athletes: Asafa Powell, Andreas Thorkildsen, Yelena Isinbaeva and Sergio Sanchez," said Paul Curran, Running Relations for Li-Ning USA.
About Eugene Marathon: 2011 marks the 5th annual Eugene Marathon, now a staple Northwest event with expectations to reach over 9,000 participants and 13,000 expo goers, up from 35% over last year. The expo and events take place April 29th - May 1st. Athletes from 49 states, 4 Canadian Provinces, and 9 countries will be competing on a world class course voted "top ten" in the nation by Runner's World Magazine. The event delivers over $3 Million of economic impact to Eugene and makes donations to over 40 local charities, groups and teams. The Eugene Marathon and Eugene Half Marathon courses are USATF certified, a 2012 Olympic Trials qualifier and World/American record legal.
About Li-Ning: Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Beijing, Li-Ning is one of the leading sports brand enterprises in the world, vertically integrated in its design, sourcing, distribution and marketing, with over 7000 owned/franchised retail doors and 3300 employees. Li-Ning products include footwear, apparel & accessories, targeted at six key sports activities: Running, Basketball, Football (soccer), Fitness, Tennis & Badminton. For more information on Li-Ning and its U.S. products, visit www.li-ningusa.com |
