by Larry EderThe Atlanta Track Club and Mizuno USA announced a long term agreement for a fully-integrated marketing program that will affect all aspects of the Atlanta Track Club, their constituencies and their various properties. It is the first effort by Executive Director Rich Kenah to show how the Atlanta Track Club, the second largest running club in North America, with 21,000 members, can affect change in the sport and give the ATC a higher profile in the sports of running and athletics.
Atlanta Track Club and Mizuno Announce Long-Term Partnership
Atlanta-Based Brands Unite in Groundbreaking Move to Create a Healthier Community
ATLANTA – November 12, 2014 – Atlanta Track Club and Mizuno announced an exclusive partnership today, uniting two prestigious Atlanta-based athletic brands guided by their mission to change lives through the power of running. Featuring a long-term commitment from both organizations, this partnership will help Atlanta Track Club grow the impact of its world-class running events, membership services, programs and products on the Metro Atlanta community.
The first fully-integrated sponsorship for Atlanta Track Club and a first-of-its-kind partnership for Mizuno in North America, this agreement will impact all facets of both organizations. Beginning January 1, 2015, Mizuno will be the Official Footwear and Apparel Partner of Atlanta Track Club, incorporating the brand in all of its running events, programs and merchandise.
Founded more than 100 years ago, Mizuno has been guided by the core philosophy of contributing to society through sports and grounded by the power of sports to transform individuals and shape communities through positive changes connected to health and physical activity. With this multi-year contract, Mizuno will showcase its commitment to running through this partnership with Atlanta Track Club and the city of Atlanta.
“Atlanta Track Club is a recognized brand not only in the Atlanta community but nationally with the rich history surrounding the AJC Peachtree Road Race,” commented Bob Puccini, President, Mizuno USA. “The alignment of our organization’s philosophy and purpose made this partnership a natural decision for Mizuno. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and to be able to make a lasting impact in Atlanta with Atlanta Track Club.”
“As the Atlanta Track Club enters its next 50 years, it does so with the support of Mizuno, one of the world’s most respected running brands,” added, Rich Kenah, Executive Director of Atlanta Track Club. “Mizuno will help our Club enhance every program and service that we currently offer to our members and participants and allow us to launch new initiatives designed to get more people moving.”
The more than 21,000 members of Atlanta Track Club and the more than 100,000 participants of Atlanta Track Club’s events and programs can look forward to many benefits from the Club’s partnership with Mizuno. Features of the partnership include Atlanta Track Club branded Mizuno apparel and footwear, the launch of new Atlanta Track Club events including a 2015 cross country meet for both high schoolers and open athletes, the addition of a youth track and field team, running shoe and apparel items included in Club training program benefits, and the availability of Atlanta Track Club branded apparel at specialty running and sporting goods stores throughout the Southeast region and online at atlantatrackclub.org. As part of the partnership, Mizuno, will also become the exclusive footwear and apparel provider for Atlanta Track Club’s AJC Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10K.
About Atlanta Track Club
Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With more than 21,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org) – the largest 10K running event in the world and the Atlanta Half Marathon and Thanksgiving Day 5K (atlantahalfmarathon.org), Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
About Mizuno USA
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear throughout the Americas. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
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